Secret (3)

There was no vegetation in the frontier. The land was dead, suffocated by an oppressive fog of dark energy. Therefore, in Annihilation, the danger came not only from the beasts but the very ground below them.

"Julie. You're bad with directions, so why do you keep trying to guide us?"

In such a place, Julie was taking the lead. Gwen was disconcerted, as Julie was someone who got lost even inside the knight's training grounds.

"It's fine. All I need is this map."

Nevertheless, Julie moved forward with the map in hand. The team members, Gwen, Drent, and Devron, were curious about what that paper held.

"This red dot is where we are now. Thus…"

Julie stopped and looked around.

"It seems to be here. Let's set up the station."

One of their missions was to set up new stations in unexplored areas. Gwen paused, unsure.

"Is it here? Are you certain?"

"Yes. Look."

Julie showed her the map directly. Where they currently stood was marked with an X.

"…Huh? I guess this is an artifact, huh? Nice purchase, Julie."

"I didn't buy it."

"Then?"

"It's mission equipment, Sir Drent."

"Yes, it's mission equipment."

Julie and Gwen put down the materials they had brought. The wizard, Drent, built the station with magic while Gwen watched.

"…But I don't know why he wants to build this here. The beasts will destroy it anyway."

"We'll also put this mirror in."

Julie set down the mirror without listening. She didn't know why they had to install the mirror, but it was their mission.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah-

Then, a scream cut through the air. The three knights glared toward its source.

"Oh, that's fine."

But, hearing that voice, Drent waved his hand as if not to worry.

"It won't be a big deal. It's Leaf's screaming."

"Leaf?"

"Epherene. She's my colleague."

"Then shouldn't it be a bigger reason to help?"

Drent smiled and shook his head at Julie.

"No. Leaf… um, her talent is unusual. She also received practical training from Professor Deculein."

"That's right. Well, if it's Epherene, she's the wizard on the team with Syrio. Syrio will take care of it."

Gwen chimed in.

"We just do what we have to do. It's not polite to help blindly. Julie, you know that too, right?"

"…Yes."

When Julie nodded-

Whooooosh!

Beyond Annihilation, the air sharp as steel engulfed the world. It was an advanced destruction magic that blew away the scream.

"…I guess that your friend Epherene is good at making a fuss over nothing?"

"Hmm. Rather than making a fuss, I would say that she still doesn't know how strong she is."

"Why? That level-"

Whiiiiiiiiiiirl!

The wind Epherene created was a blender grinding everything caught within.

"Oh. As I said, she received practical training from the Professor. Since she only lost to him… she still doesn't know that she is strong."

"…Hmm."

Gwen thought for a moment and then nodded.

"Indeed. Because Deculein is a sorcerer specialized in practical combat… it was written that way in the scout report too."

That was part of the advanced information provided to members of the Imperial Knights. Julie cocked her head.

"You mean the report?"

"Yeah. Among the wizards, the Deculein report is the longest."

When a knight and a wizard cooperated, mutual recognition of their abilities was necessary. So, these days, the Knights shared the wizard's information beforehand, and among them, Deculein's report was the longest.

"Is that so?"

"Even if not taking into account that he's a magician, his fighting ability is outstanding. He's very cool-headed; he doesn't mind killing… the general summary is even more amazing. That-"

"'It seems that he doesn't need to cooperate with the knights.'"

The third knight, the quiet Devron, who was still until now, cut in. The middle-aged man was a famous knight belonging to the Imperial Palace.

"I have never seen such a wizard report in my lifetime. In general, a report emphasizes the 'how to protect' aspects of a wizard. His seems to state that we don't need to protect him… I was perplexed."

"…"

After hearing those words, Julie looked at her watch. She pretended not to be uncomfortable, and Gwen was also deliberately trying to ease the mood, but it wasn't helping.

"There is not enough time. Now let's head to the second position. Move out."

"Okay. Hey wizard guy, are you okay? Can you run more?"

"Yes. Of course."

"Okay. Let's go. But you're kind of cute. How old are you?"

"…Hm?"

The four of them advanced even deeper into the wilderness.

* * *

…The battle was over, leaving the snow-covered fields littered with the carcasses of wild beasts. The world that was such pure white minutes ago was dyed red. A metallic scent emanated from the blood and intestines that had spread here and there, but I was focused on the system message.

[Action Bonus: Due to fierce battle, the attachment of Iron Man will bloom]

◆ Completion of Attribute Experience

◆ Acquire the attachment Steel Bone.

[Perfect Kill: Killed more than 3,333 beasts in one battle.]

◆ Acquire the rare characteristic Beast Slayer.

First, Steel Bone. I didn't know in detail, and the only explanation provided was that 'bones grow stronger.' On the other hand, Beast Slayer was easy to grasp.

──「Beast Slayer」──

◆ Rating

: Rare

◆ Description

: Achievement realized through large-scale battle.

: The larger the size of the monster you are dealing with, the greater your magic power.

──────

"P-Professor! Are you all right?!"

The guards and the wardens came running, each wearing a matching expression of fright.

"Take these bodies away. You will be able to sell it for a reasonable price."

"Y-Yes!"

I killed them with that in mind. There were 3,000, but I didn't want to damage any of their hides too badly.

"Oh, farewell! Take a good rest! Leave this to us…"

I walked through the gate feeling dizzy for a moment, but I endured it. My remaining mana was 0. All of it had been consumed during this battle. Yet, I did not stumble. I was forced to maintain a regular stride length.

Thus, I returned to the mansion. I wiped my body clean, put on a robe, and lay flat on the bed.

"…"

I closed my eyes.

* * *

Meanwhile, Zeit and his party arrived at Reccordak.

"I see you, Lord—!"

The guard guarding the entrance stood up straight and saluted. After all, no one in the North did not know Zeit by sight.

"Step aside. Keep it a secret that I came."

"Yes! Of course!"

Thanks to that, the other five, Lia, Sylvia, and Primienne, were able to safely enter Reccordak without further notice.

"But what are you going to do? There isn't much to do here. There is nothing to spy on for Iliade."

"It's not espionage."

Sylvia shook her head. Zeit grinned, and then Lia answered.

"We are waiting for Ganesha here!"

Lastly, Primienne.

"I have a separate business to discuss with Professor Deculein. I plan to wait in the prison office."

"Good. Anyway, let's do our own thing here. The brief meeting with your star-like talents will end here, but our reunion is not far away. May your journeys be completed safely."

"Yes! Thank you!"

"Goodbye, King of Winter."

The three Musketeers, Lia, Leo, and Carlos, bid him farewell warmly, and Primienne showed him the courtesy of the North. Sylvia was already gone.

"…Hmm."

Zeit, now alone, crossed his arms and looked up at a tree. The shadow wavering there took shape before his eyes.

"…Are you here?"

Josephine. She looked at Zeit with a smile.

"Where is Deculein?"

"Huh? Right away?"

"Every minute is of value. That's the only reason I came; I want to hear directly from Deculein if your reasoning is true."

"…"

Just like a true northerner, he was too quick-tempered. Josephine shook her head.

"Fine. I'll guide you. Instead, I'm first. Follow me quietly. The Professor is sleeping right now…"

* * *

I opened my eyes with the sudden feeling that I wasn't alone.

"Oh."

There was another set of eyes in front of me. Big, with white irises resembling Julie's.

"Are you awake?"

It was Josephine.

"…"

I looked out the window. The moon was already up. After half a day of sleep, my stamina and mana were completely restored.

"What's going on?"

I checked my clothes first… there was no such thing. I was wearing a nightgown. Josephine took a step back and smiled a little.

"I came here because I have something to ask."

"Something to ask."

"Yes. Rumors are circulating these days that you know who was behind Her Majesty's poisoning."

I looked at Josephine and knew roughly why she came. Glancing here and there with 「The Villain's Fate」, I found no death variables.

"…"

No, there was a very small trace outside. A very faint trace that could not have been caught if it weren't for the eyes of Iron Man. It was someone who completely hid his identity. Who could it be?

Perhaps, the person who would be with Josephine right now was-

"Is it true?"

I continued calmly. There was nothing to be embarrassed about, as it was something I saw as a player to the point I got sick of it.

"It is true."

Sophien's poisoning was planned by Freyden. It was a pivotal point of their character quest. However, what was important now was not that kind of quest.

"I know."

I was engrossed in how to remove the death variable coming from Zeit.

…

"I know."

For a moment, Josephine's heart sank. On the other hand, Deculein's complexion was calm. Josephine couldn't read his expression.

"…What do you know?"

Deculein stretched out his hand without saying a word. A wine glass and a bottle flowed into his hands: 678 Gorwine, one of the best. The cork popped out, and the red liquid poured out into the glass.

"What I know means that I know. What more do you want?"

Deculein responded sarcastically and took a sip of the wine. His facial expression, gesture, and dignity were all reflected in Josephine's eyes. It was an indescribable charm.

"I am curious. If you know, why are you silent?"

"…"

He stroked his chin.

"Silent… do I need to say? If you've seen me before, you'd know. I am not a vagabond who flaunts his mouth."

Deculein looked at Josephine, his gaze piercing and straight.

"Still, come on, you might be able to buy Her Majesty's hatred. Aren't you afraid?"

"Hmph. I have no such thing as fear. In any case, there is no benefit in exposing that fact. Rather, it will plunge the Empire into chaos."

"…Chaos?"

Deculein's hand holding the wine glass stopped. He frowned for a moment.

"Don't test me when you know already, Josephine. Your moves are too shallow; it's not like you."

"…"

Josephine pouted. But this time, she had nothing she could do. Zeit was watching not far away.

"Is it because of Julie?"

To that, Deculein reacted.

"…Julie."

"That's right."

He took a sip of the wine. Josephine licked her lips.

"It could be."

As expected. She smiled.

"I want Julie to be happy…."

However, the following words were quite unexpected.

"And I don't want the North to fall."

"…North?"

Josephine's eyes widened a fraction. Deculein nodded. And, he said the line that Zeit would love.

"The North has sacrificed a lot so far to the Empire. To the people and nobles like us."

"…"

Josephine blinked a few times.

"The Sacred Horse incident 17 years ago. The Northern Crisis 13 years ago. Rohal Grosson's Summoned Beast incident 20 years ago. The execution of Balrog 23 years ago. The Ropalma disaster 22 years ago, the Behemoth advance 11 years ago, and the Great Lake 9 years ago… other than that, constantly fending off monsters."

Deculein recited the major events of the North's history one by one. They were facts he read in the game script played as a player and understood as the history of this world.

"Thus, Freyden has done something he shouldn't have in the not-so-distant past, but I'm sure. It must be the result of a misunderstanding or being deceived by manipulation."

Josephine looked into his eyes. There was unshaken confidence in there and a transparent belief. The ego of a human named Deculein.

"The Freyden are different from the other central scum, very different from the insects that call themselves nobility. That is why I believe in the North. That trust and cause…"

Why was Deculein saying this? Did he respect the North so much?

"The reason I don't tell Her Majesty about that."

Even at this moment, Josephine, of course, showed no emotion. She didn't care what her own family did, how it was treated, or what circumstances it was in. Her interest was only in Julie.

"Of course, it's partially because I love Julie too."

But Deculein's confident appearance… was so bizarre and charming.

"But the first is because the North is nobler than any other I've found in the central continent."

Josephine smiled.

"Secondly, it's because I don't want to play around with other people's business."

The full moon appeared through the window, illuminating him.

"Is this enough to answer you, Josephine?"

Deculein looked at her.

"Even if the mortal sins you all committed are revealed."

His hair was a little messy.

"I will protect the fate of the North."

Josephine rested her hand on her chin. Without realizing it, she looked at him as if appreciating a beautiful portrait.

"So, just as I trust them, they just have to believe in me."

…Reflecting on those words, Josephine thought. He was a very strange person, confident in every word he said, and that was why he seemed so truthful. Also, he loved Julie more than anyone else in the world.

"…Okay."

For some reason, Josephine wanted to trust him. No one in the world made her feel faith except Julie…

* * *

Late at night in Reccordak's field. Zeit sat in the dark and clenched his jaw. As a north man, he rarely experienced this kind of feeling, but something inside him soared.

"Gosh… he's a decent guy, that professor… he is a hero. He is a real scholar."

He looked up at the large moon and thought of Deculein. A man with love, purity, and faith in his heart. Contrary to his appearance, which resembled a parasite, he was a very genuine man. Full of faithfulness, no, the incarnation of loyalty!

"Who would have thought that the Professor respected the North… I will reflect on it. I'll admit it! I had bad intentions for a second!"

Boom-!

Zeit clenched his fist and slammed the ground, shaking the earth. Josephine watched him with a shrug.

"So noisy… it's a secret from Julie, though. He will wait until she is healed."

"…Josephine. I'm also a man that has loved before."

Zeit responded, and Josephine shook her head as if she found it pathetic. The two looked up at the full moon for a moment longer. However.

"Sniff…"

Josephine looked at him with a puzzled expression. Zeit was holding his face.

"No way. Are you crying?"

"…Who's crying?"

Zeit lifted his face again. His eyes were already red. It was the first time she saw him cry.

"It could be fake. Don't be too impressed.

"Fake? He was the first man to acknowledge the North's part. Even for the northerners, the Professor was aware of incidents unknown to anyone other than the family of Freyden. There is no such fake in this world. Josephine, you should know."

Indeed… Josephine raised her eyebrows in agreement.

"You're right. There were no lies at all. In particular, the Sacred Horse Incident and the Northern Incident must be tragedies that the imperial family systematically concealed~."

"I know. Even that, Deculein knew…"

Zeit let out a big breath and let a soft smile rise to his lips.

"Hmm… for the first time in almost 40 years, it seems that there is a reliable guy around. I would go to the battlefield together with him ten times over. I'd leave my back to him."

Josephine, who was nodding and carefully listening, realized a certain absurdity in what he said and swish-! She glared at Zeit.

"Wait. Then. Are you saying you don't believe me?"

"…I'm going, Josephine. I have a lot to do."

Zeit stood quickly and wandered off.