Chapter 147

Chapter 147

The carriage traveled along the neatly maintained highway, surrounded by the patrol guards at a respectable distance. None of them spoke. Occasionally, they would cast a sidelong glance at Ian seated in the carriage.

It was the same with others they encountered on the road. Various passersby, including the other patrol guards, came and went frequently, proving that this was indeed the Empire. Everyone seemed curious about the identity of the carriage under guard.

This is such a pain...

Ian didn't expect to attract this much attention. Contrary to his thoughts, he chewed on jerky with a nonchalant face. In any case, he realized that he had set foot in the Empire earlier than in the game, and through a somewhat illicit yet legitimate procedure.

In the game, one couldn’t enter the Empire or the North from the start due to a lack of qualifications. Anyone entering recklessly would be killed by the patrol or inspection soldiers. This went without saying for areas near the South or the Black Wall could only be reached by passing through the Empire.

Thus, being able to step into the Empire meant starting the next chapter. However, there were still major quests in Chapter Two to complete as the order of progression had changed.

"I think Ian told you to manage your expression earlier."

It was at this moment that Charlotte spoke softly. Philip, who had been staring intently at Ian, turned his gaze away.

"Did I do it again...? It was unintentional."

Bullshit.

Ian just snorted briefly. In a few minutes, Philip would be back to watching him again, just as he had been doing. While they couldn’t speak openly due to the soldiers nearby, he knew that Philip would start fussing the moment they parted ways with them.

On the other hand, Mev, who still had her face covered, silently followed alongside the carriage, not even glancing at Ian’s way.

"That’s Burbrook ahead." Gregory, who approached cautiously near the carriage, said.

Ian just nodded, taking in the city that spread out beyond the highway. The moderately high and sturdy walls spread wide, and beyond them, the roofs of various large and small buildings poked through.

The gates were half open, and people passed through without much hindrance. Despite being just days away from the border, there was no sign of war.

Unlike the cities in the North, which were almost always in a state of war due to the snowy regions and the Black Wall. This place, a border town within the Empire, had no relation to the Black Wall or war.

Moreover, patrols had been intensified, making it especially safer. With agricultural fields also in view, it had likely never been neglected.

If I remember correctly, this area should also have been affected by corruption....

As Ian took in the approaching city, he finally spoke. "Sir Gregory."

Even with his not-so-loud voice, Gregory quickly closed the distance.

"Speak, Sir Ian."

"This should be enough. It might get a bit tiresome if we attract the attention of the townspeople."

"I see. Then we’ll stop here, and I’ll escort you with just one of my men."

The middle-aged man with a somewhat stubborn appearance was quicker on the uptake than he seemed. At his signal, the soldiers halted. Their eyes, fixed on him, seemed to implore him to say something.

Ian suppressed a bitter laugh. They hadn’t even seen him fight, yet this was their reaction. Then again, rumors always tended to be exaggerated. In the North, he was already regarded as a living miracle. Here, it might be even worse. In any case, since he had received their help, he couldn’t avoid saying a word.

"Thank you. Keep up the good work."

At Ian’s calm words, the soldiers clasped their hands and bowed their heads.

Right. They’re outright treating me like a saint.

The carriage moved ahead. Only Gregory and his lieutenant followed the group now.

"I pray you complete your sacred mission safely, sir. And should there be any need to report to the church–-"

"Tell them I appreciate your help."

A faint smile brushed Gregory’s lips at Ian’s words. Perhaps Gregory had taken such initiative because he was concerned about the church. The church’s influence in the Empire was far beyond that in the frontier or the North.

Clack, clack—

The carriage approached the city gates. The guards, eyes filled with curiosity about the newcomers, didn’t stop them.

Charlotte, taking in the street view, finally spoke. "This place hasn’t changed."

"Have you been here before?" Ian asked, looking more relaxed.

Charlotte nodded. "This place is acts as a crossroad since it’s adjacent to both Bel Ronde and Lu Sard. Merchants heading for the frontier also make their last stop here. I had some idea they would guide us here."

She looked at Ian slyly.

"When I was headed to Agel Lan before, we passed through here to get to Bel Ronde."

She’s talking about the first time we met.

Ian chuckled briefly and spoke. "Will you be alright? Running into the Libra Trading Company could be troublesome."

"It doesn’t matter. We probably won’t meet them, and even if we do, they won’t care about me. Javier’s part would’ve been divided among other heads. You wouldn't know, but the business back then wasn’t a failure."

"I see... Well, that’s good. I’ll leave the guiding to you then."

"Of course. First, let’s take care of the carriage."

Ian’s brows furrowed slightly as he nodded. He could feel the stinging stares again. He eventually spoke up.

"Why do you keep staring like that?"

Philip, glancing back and forth between Ian and Charlotte, widened his eyes even more.

"How could I not? But the two of you, this doesn't seem like the right time for a casual conversation."

Mev’s shoulders twitched, and she coughed quietly as if choking, quickly averting her gaze as she set down her glass.

"There were... such circumstances—"

At that moment, the waitress returned. She carried a large tray that almost looked like a walking table. Ian smirked inwardly at the numerous plates on the tray. Dwarves, it seemed, were strong, even the females.

"Enjoy your meal. Let me know when you’re ready to go up to your rooms."

After quickly setting the dishes on the table, she left.

Ian picked up his fork and added. "Are you disappointed?"

"disappointed... not at all! Sir..."

... Sir?

One of Ian’s eyebrows rose. Ignoring his gaze, Mev stammered on.

"By the rumors... a hero representing the North and the Agent of the Platinum Dragon... who is also a saint of the church...."

As her voice shrank, her head also lowered.

"Not knowing that... I’ve been... disrespectful..."

"...." Ian’s eyebrow relaxed.

So that’s what was bothering you.

Well, from the perspective of someone in this world, it might be shocking. After all, she was an Apostle of God. It wouldn't be strange for her to feel guilty about her actions being irreverent. However, to Ian, it just seemed like an unexpected overreaction.

He eventually let out a bitter laugh and said, "Well, now I feel a bit upset."

"...?!"

"A comrade and friend, you said? So, it all changes just based on position?"

Mev’s eyes widened as she looked at Ian.

He added. "Just be as you were. Unless you want a formal relationship."

"I... I don’t. I mean. Yes. No matter what feats... you’ve... accomplished, you’re still Ian. That’s truly noble—"

"I don’t think what I did is more noble than what you did on the frontier. I just took on requests and solved them. It was all for myself. That’s all."

While it wasn’t entirely unpleasant to be treated as a great person, it wasn’t exactly comfortable either. Of course, if these people were priests blinded by money or fattened nobles with too much in their hands, he might have wielded his reputation.

But these were few trusted comrades who made the harsh world bearable. Despite trying not to get too close or attached, that’s how it ended. He didn’t want to be treated like that by them.

Mev, who had been caressing her drink, finally spoke up. "In that case, can you talk to me informally as well?"

"I’m quite comfortable as it is now."

"... It would make me feel more comfortable if you did."

Good grief.

Ian snorted and lifted his glass.

"Whether I do or not, I’ll speak as I please. Informally. Will that suffice, Mev?"

He held out his glass. Mev blinked and then clinked her glass against his.

"... Yes, Ian."

Awkward but nice.

Ian drank and picked up his fork. The meal began. It wasn’t long before Philip, lost in thought, spoke again."It's truly a blessing that the two of you have become genuine friends, but... you ended up glossing over what actually happened, didn't you?"

What an annoyingly persistent fellow.

Ian clicked his tongue and added. "Ask Charlotte."

"Ha... I miss Miguel. If he were here, he would have–-"

"Been told to shut up by me, like you are now."

"... Yes."

Finally, a quiet meal ensued. Ian fully savored the dishes, which were generously seasoned with spices and herbs. Before he knew it, the hall was flickering with an orange glow. As night fell, candles and lamps were lit.

There were more guests now, people he hadn’t seen before. It seemed to be mealtime, as more and more people were coming in. Freemen, peddlers with their guards, and even mercenaries—all sorts of people were settling into their places.

They say war brings money.

It seemed that the Emperor was the only one uninterested in the frontier. Perhaps the Emperor was intentionally neglecting the situation. The power of the frontier was naturally weakening, and free labor and money were flowing in effortlessly. If one were confined to the palace, experiencing the world only through words and letters, this would be a reasonable course of action.

The hall became a bit more tumultuous shortly thereafter. A group of merchants was entering. As if it had been arranged in advance, a dwarf waitress guided them to a room located to the side. One of them glanced at Ian shortly after.

Sensing their presence, Ian looked up. Two men with vaguely familiar faces were approaching. One was an Imperial man in his mid-thirties with a stylishly groomed beard, and the other was a large Northerner carrying a long spear on his back. To an outsider, he would likely be mistaken for a barbarian warrior.

"Hmm...?" Ian’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"I could hardly believe it, but it truly is Sir Ian...!"

The Imperial, wearing a friendly smile, spoke as he approached the table.

"Do you remember who I am?"