CH 13

“Become an aide!? Me?”

Felid replied with shock, and Eugene nodded.

“That’s right. You are sixteen and have already had the coming-of-age ceremony. You can choose your own path even without the consent of a guardian.”

“Ah!”

Naturally, children of noble families seldomly decided their futures without consulting their parents or getting their approval. In fact, the nobles usually had set paths they needed to walk, and the children did not try to go against their parents’ wishes. Young nobles feared banishment from their family the most.

However, Felid was a boy who lived alone in a remote, mountainous village without his parents, or at least, until recently. He never even knew that he was the son of the region’s lord.

He would not be afraid of being kicked out from the Rose Castle.

“If you become my aide, I can order you as your master to stand by in the castle. I have that right. Your brothers will not be able to dispute it either. Besides, if anyone dares touch a knight’s aide when the knight is away, they would be openly provoking the knight. They would be picking a fight with me if they touch you.”

“…..!”

Felid was an intelligent boy. He quickly regained his composure.

“I will do it.”

Felid nodded vigorously with determined eyes, and Eugene responded.

“Good. But I’m going to tell you beforehand. I do not intend to take you around with me.”

“I already know. Sir Eugene isn’t taking me in as an aide just because you’ve taken a liking to me and you want me to live… right? Is there something you want from me in return?”

“You are quick to pick up on these things. That’s right. I do not know what it’s going to be, but you will have to do as I tell you to.”

“I will do anything as long as it doesn’t involve harming innocent people.”

“And do you have the power to kill someone right now?”

“W-well…”

Felid had spoken confidently but was forced to blush after hearing Eugene’s retort.

“No matter. It won’t be a bad deal for you either.”

“Yes!”

Felid answered vigorously after taking on a determined expression. But soon, he continued in an awkward voice.

“Well, sir… shouldn’t we hold a ritual or something of the sort? Perhaps a swearing?”

“…..”

Eugene stopped in his tracks.

The face of a man naturally crossed his mind.

***

“Hahaha! What a surprise! You are going to take in the bastard of the Tywin family as your aide? I’m fine with it.”

Galfredik burst into hearty laughter, then stood as witness to preside over the two people’s vows. After the ceremony was completed, he excitedly spread the news, and soon after, the two Tywin brothers rushed over to Eugene.

“Sir! What are you thinking?! How could you take in a member of our family as your aide without permission!?”

“It’s not so bad, is it? He’s already had his coming-of-age ceremony, so it’s up to him to decide his own future.”

“Brother!”

Camara seemed a little surprised, but he was rather accepting. On the other hand, Bertel was fuming. 

‘So it was the second son.’

Eugene was convinced from the contrasting attitudes that Bertel was the one responsible for trying to eliminate Felid.

“Just as I do not involve myself in the affairs of the Tywin family, it is not appropriate for you, sir, to dictate who I decide to take in as an aide, is it? Or has another knight already taken Felid in as their aide?”

“…..!”

Bertel’s frows wriggled with annoyance, but he could not refute Eugene’s remarks. Rather, it would have been appropriate for him to be grateful that a knight decided to take in a bastard son as their aide.

“Then sir, will you be taking our youngest into the dungeon?”

“I did take him in as my aide, but I could not bring an inexperienced brat to the opening of a dungeon. Especially when he has not even learned the basics of swordsmanship. I am planning to have him train until I return.”

“Well, it would be rather ridiculous and unbefitting to take him to the opening of a dungeon anyways. He’s been farming and rearing pigs his entire life. Anyways, congratulations. And on behalf of the Tywin family, I would like to offer my gratitude as well.”

Camara was genuinely pleased.

‘Doesn’t this establish a connection between the family and this knight? If the dungeon opening is successful, our Tywin family will be able to save face, and not just that Galfredik.’

Having a successful expedition led by a visiting knight and mercenaries was completely different from a successful expedition led by a knight who was also the master of the family’s son. Naturally, the latter was much more favorable than the former for Camara, since he would soon become lord of the territory.

‘Ha! Why didn’t I think of this earlier? Where did this golden goose come from?’

Camara held back a grin and spoke with dignity.

“Although we are born from different wombs, my younger brother has taken on a master. As the next lord, I cannot simply stand idle.”

“…..?”

“…..!”

Eugene took on a puzzled expression, and Bertel appeared shocked. Camara continued.

“Although I gave up on the path of knighthood due to lack of talent, my father had prepared armor and a sword for me. I need to pass down the sword as an heirloom since it was my father’s, but the armor will be fine. Please take it, Sir Eugene.”

“Brother!”

“I am grateful. I will accept it.”

There were no knights without steeds, but there were no knights without armor either. Eugene answered immediately and accepted the offer without hesitation, regardless of Bertel’s reaction.

“Haha! It’s chain mail, not plate mail, but it was purchased from Maren’s skilled craftsman for 30 silver coins, so I can guarantee the quality.”

“It’s reassuring to hear.”

Although he had Black Scales, he could never reveal them in public. No one could know. But if he was wearing chain mail on the outside, he would have an excuse after surviving an enemy’s attack. In the end, Camara and Eugene ended up serving as each other’s golden goose, even without any prior communication or discussion.

Unfortunately, one person was left in the dust and seething in anger.

‘Jan Eugene. What an unpleasant bastard. I need to get rid of him somehow after the expedition. Or else…’

He had no other choice. Bertel had a strong premonition that his grand plan would somehow be severely disrupted otherwise.

***

The morning of the dungeon opening finally dawned. Eugene and Galfredik were equipped with their gear, and they left the Rose Castle with mercenaries and porters. Although Camara was with them, everyone knew that the day’s protagonists would be Jan Eugene and Rowan Galfredik.

The fruits of the victory, whether the event was a monster subjugation or a territorial dispute, would be earned by the lord and the nobles, but it was the knights who climbed the trees to acquire the fruits with difficulty.

That was why the nobles exonerated and respected the knights – outwardly, at least.

That was also the reason why knights could be proud and boast.

The warriors marched on proudly, tasked with the future of the Tywin family.

Five hours later, the group arrived in front of a leafy oak grove. The gloomy forest was rumored to house ghouls and ghosts at night, and even herbalists rarely entered the area.

“Wow! What a nice place! There must have been one or two seniors who resided here in the past. I can smell it, oh yes, I can smell it.”

Mirian became excited and buzzed all over the place, perhaps at the joy of finally seeing a proper forest after a long time. Even so, she did not leave Eugene’s side, flying within a radius of four or five meters of him.

“Ah, let me show you the way.”

The serf responsible for discovering the entrance led the way with nearly forty troops following. Behind. They crossed into the thick forest, which had no visible roads.

The group of knights and soldiers created a loud racket and reeked of metal, oil, and leather, which deterred any beasts and monsters. As such, the group traveled for nearly an hour without coming across any difficulties. 

They finally came across a low hill full of primaeval trees.

“Start the search.”

“Yes!”

The mercenaries heeded Galfredik’s orders and started roaming around the hill in groups. In many cases, monsters tunneled holes to escape from unopened dungeons to gain access to the outside – such monsters were known as roamers. 

“T-this way.”

While the mercenaries searched, Eugene, Galfredik, and the Tywin brothers climbed up the hill under the guidance of the serf.

“Hooh.”

Galfredik’s eyes glimmered with light after he spotted a sunken spot on the ground. A rusty door with thick iron bars was decorated with all sorts of bizarre characters and shapes.

Dungeons, labyrinths, and ancient ruins were always sealed in this fashion if they were yet unopened. No one knew for sure why they were created in such a way and why, but evil lands were both a threat and a blessing to humans.

Humans would either kill the monsters inside to acquire mana stones and materials, or they would be killed instead. It was a very simple formula. 

“I found three burrows, but given their small size, it looks like they were used by lower-ranking monsters.”

“It is a relief that no intermediate-rank monsters have come out. Then we will take a short break before opening the dungeon right away.”

“Yes!”

The mercenaries gathered in groups to rest. Eugene wasn’t very tired, nor did he have things to take care of. He approached Partec’s group.

“How’re your conditions?”

“Very good. It’s just that this one is a little nervous.”

“I-I’m doing just fine!”

Lavan spoke in response to Partec’s words with a stiff expression.

“Relax. We have Sir Eugene and Sir Galfredik. Besides, I don’t know about others, but those men over there will be decently strong.”

Eugene shifted his gaze at Partec’s words. He spotted eight mercenaries, all armed with short swords and battle axes. They also had round shields on their backs, and all of them appeared to be warriors of considerable strength, just as Partec mentioned.

“They are the Black Sheep Mercenaries. They branched off a famous mercenary group in Carls Baggins. Do you remember the bald man who questioned you yesterday, Sir Eugene? His name is Breen, and he is their leader.”

Coincidentally, Breen turned his head and met Eugene’s gaze.

“That bastard, it seems he still hasn’t come to his senses yet.”

Partec frowned at the challenging gaze contained in Breen’s eyes.

“It does not matter anyway. I don’t care as long as he doesn’t try to do something foolish against me in the dungeon.”

“…..”

Although Eugene did not mention what the outcome would be if Breen did try something, Partec did not need to be told what would happen.

“Gather around! We’re going to open it!”

After the short break, the mercenaries gathered around the entrance of the dungeon.

“Shall we do it together?”

“Let’s do it.”

At Galfredik’s suggestion, Eugene stepped up and took his place by the large knight’s side, placing his hand on the large latch.

“Two, three! Heung!”

“…..”

Galfredik pulled while grunting, while Eugene remained silent as he gave strength.

Boooom!

The mercenaries became wide-eyed as the two knights lifted up a long, thick three-meter latch without much effort and threw it to the side.

Boom!

“Now, take care until you come back out. See you in four days.”

“I wish you luck.”

At this moment, Camara had full responsibility as the acting lord of Tywin. He nodded somberly towards the two knights.

Kieeeek!

As if to prove the weathering of the years, the thick iron doors opened with a loud squeak.

“Opening is successful. We’re going in.”

The mercenaries lit their torches one by one, and the expedition, composed of two knights, twenty-six mercenaries, and eight porters, entered the dark dungeon one by one.

“May God bless you…”

The trembling voices of Camara and the territorial soldiers bid them farewell.

***

“You fucking, retarded bastards! Keep the formation straight!”

Galfredik shouted in a loud voice. But his orders were buried by the bizarre cries of the kobolds. The creatures were similar to wild, rabid dogs.

Kieeeng! Kaang! Keeng! Keeng! Keeng!

The mercenaries had fallen into panic due to the kobolds’ sudden ambush. The creatures had come from the darkness, and they wielded solid clubs while letting off distinctive cries. Although they were low-ranking monsters, they drove fear into the hearts of men.

“Get out of the way!”

Two mercenaries were struggling to block the attacks of the kobolds. After roughly shoving them aside, Galfredik swung his battle axe.

Shishishiiing!

The deadly weapon whistled sharply through the air.

Keng! Kenggg!

Two of the creatures were beheaded and four collapsed after suffering serious injuries.

“Maintain the formation and dig in! Push them against the wall!”

The mercenaries quickly regained their senses after witnessing Galfredik’s performance, then resumed their attacks with renewed vigor. It seemed rather disorderly, with each of the teams taking separate formations, but all the individuals in the groups had spent a considerable amount of time with each other. Their teamwork was good and their attacks were effective.

Keeeeng! Kuhung!

In an instant, more than 20 monsters collapsed while spraying blood. In the first place, kobolds were smaller monsters adorning only simple leather clothes and wielding rugged wooden clubs. They were no match for properly armed soldiers. However, one would not have to risk their lives to open a dungeon if they were faced with a couple of dozen kobolds.

Kekekeng! Keeeeng!

“There’s more!”

“Fuck!”

Not knowing how many monsters would rush towards them was one of the most dangerous aspects of opening a dungeon. But it was also unavoidable since no one knew how long the dungeon had been sealed for.

And the monsters did not wait for the mercenaries to rest.

“Get back into the formations!”

Galfredik roared once again.

Papapapat!

A figure kicked off the ground and emerged from the shadows, running headfirst into the newly emerging group of kobolds. As soon as he saw the dark grey chainmail revealed in the dark robe, Galfredik shouted.

“Sir Eugene!”

He could see more than 20 kobolds. To jump into the middle of such a large group of monsters in a dark dungeon, which was less than five meters wide, was akin to suicide…

Flash!

The short sword reflected the dim light of the torches and broke through the darkness. The cries of the monsters resonated without stopping. The mercenaries stood in place with blank expressions, as if time had stopped, and the glimmering light of the short sword continued to draw various trajectories.

Perhaps twenty seconds passed.

Although the cries of the kobolds had long subsided, the mercenaries still remained affixed. A knight with red eyes walked out from the cover of shadows.

“I killed twenty-three. By the way, I saw a shining patch of grass around the corner. Is it expensive?”

Galfredik and the mercenaries were made speechless. The knight was truly a ‘dungeon newbie’ who did not know the first thing about dungeons – that glowing grass was a type of plant found in dungeons that lost its light as soon as it was harvested.