Chapter 25: The Slums (4)

Chapter 25: The Slums (4)

The old gentleman who had momentarily faltered upon Dales threat soon straightened up again.

Going straight to threats when conversation fails? This is why heretics If you dont want to end up dead, better get lost.

On the contrary, the old gentleman became even more assertive.

Dale thought as he looked at him.

What on earth is he relying on to act like this?

From Dales experience, when people act in such a way, they usually fall into one of three categories:

They have some backing.

They think the opponent is easy to handle.

Or theyre just plain stupid.

To Dale, the old gentleman did not seem particularly strong. Though there were signs of training, he was just a fit old man.

So why was he standing up to Dale who was a dark knight, like this?

Suddenly, Dale remembered something the old gentleman had said. That in the slums, there was no one who didnt know Dale. That he shared food with the children.

Dale had an inkling of how that rumor must have spread.

He must think Im a naive sucker.

In this harsh world, acts of kindness without reward often become the subject of mockery. People underestimate and see you as a sucker ripe for the picking.

A dark knight who doesnt act like a dark knight.

If being ignored for showing kindness was the problem, there was only one solution.

Displaying power that couldnt be ignored.

Dale instinctively reached for his sword but he stopped himself. He hadnt come here to commit slaughter.

Instead, he spoke to the old gentleman.

If you have a weapon, draw it now. And if theres someone to call, do it. You must have some confidence to stand so boldly, right?nove(l)bi(n.)com

Ah, indeed, how honorable of you. Then, as you wish.

The old gentleman sarcastically took out a silver bell from his arms. Then with a graceful flick of his wrist he lightly shook it twice.

Ding-ding.

The clear sound echoed throughout the room.

Soon after, several robust men descended the stairs with a clattering noise.

They were armed in their own way, with maces and quilted armor reinforced with metal plates and sharp daggers.

This was more than enough to face ordinary people.

But it was woefully insufficient against Dale. Far, far too insufficient.

Dale, somewhat incredulously, turned his gaze to the old gentleman.

This cant be all you have, can it?

Hmph. Enough for the likes of you.

I dont think so.

Instead of responding, the old gentleman shouted.

Attack him, everyone!

Uwaaaah!

The men yelled as they charged forward in unison.

From their unwavering swings, Dale realized these men had some combat experience.

They were warriors who had likely killed before.

And so, Dale didnt hesitate either.

He thrust his fist forward.

Thud!

The leading man who was charging ahead was struck by Dales gauntlet and sent flying far away.

Blood froth spilled from the mouth of the young man as he lay on the ground.

He didnt get up again.

The men who were about to rush forward suddenly stopped.

Dale reassured them.

Hes not dead.

The men exchanged glances.

Was it possible they had picked the wrong opponent? This question was visible in their eyes.

As they stood still, the old gentleman shouted at them once more.

What are you doing? Dont just stand there; earn your keep!

Only then did the man who appeared to be the leader of the bunch step forward and speak.

He was holding a dagger in his hand.

Right! Dont be afraid! So what if hes a knight? Cant a blade cut through his belly?

Dale looked down to check his abdomen.

He could see solid armor there. The man also followed Dales gaze and looked down.

It doesnt seem like it will cut through.

Ah, um.

It seemed the speaker himself harbored similar thoughts.

Yet the man seemed determined to measure his strength against the odds.

And he bravely charged at Dale with a shout of determination.

Thud!

Like the man who had charged before him, he was knocked down with a single punch and did not rise again.

Afterward, the other men did not dare to attack. Therefore, Dale took the initiative.

He closed the distance.

Swung his fist.

And with no surprise, another man lay on the ground.

He did not kill them.

Dale had abundant combat experience. He knew well how to incapacitate without causing fatal harm.

Thus, the time it took for Dale to knock down all the men was just a few minutes.

It was embarrassingly less of a fight and more of a mere scuffle.

Dale turned his head.

The old gentleman was just standing there, his mouth agape with astonishment.

Dales brazen approach was something he didnt anticipate.

And understandably so.

Wasnt this their territory?

Its said even a stray dog becomes braver at its own home.

If Dale openly attacked like this, it wasnt just a challenge to them.

It was tantamount to declaring war on all the slum allies who had sided with the Tomo Store.

A sane person wouldnt stir up such trouble. Yes, a sane person wouldnt.

The Black Serpent Brotherhood.

Eirek provided some basic information about the Black Serpent Brotherhood, including their location.

Dale was momentarily puzzled by Eireks compliant attitude.

Could he be subtly naming a rival of his? And then using me to harm an organization he dislikes?

Dale considered the possibility that Eirek might be manipulating him to inflict damage on some group he disliked.

However, he soon dismissed the thought.

If that were the case, he could simply return here later and extract his due from Eirek.

Thats all then.

Having heard all the information he wanted, Dale left the room without any hesitation.

Eirek blankly watched his retreating figure.

No. Did he really come here just because of that gnome?

The old gentleman who had been waiting outside hurried in.

Are you alright? Did that heretic cause you any harm?

Ah, yes. He was more reasonable than I expected. I almost doubted whether he was just a courier.

Is that so?

Eirek was smiling in satisfaction as if the encounter with Dale was fun. He was intrigued by this unexpected guest.

The old gentleman glanced at his masters unusual demeanor.

And then Eirek gave instructions to the old gentleman.

Sebas, investigate everything about this knight named Dale.

Ah! Youre thinking of revenge!

Revenge?

Didnt he beat up our men?

Eirek burst into laughter.

Haha, revenge? How little you know me, despite the time weve spent together? Why would I bother with such a pointless act? Just tend to the wounds of those who were beaten and train them more rigorously next time.

Then why the investigation?

It wouldnt hurt to gain some favor with a knight whos bound to become more famous, right?

The old gentleman looked unconvinced but he didnt argue anymore and followed Eireks judgment.

After all, it was entirely thanks to Eireks judgments that they had survived the downfall of their kingdom at the hands of demons and reached this moment right now.

***

Natalia paced anxiously outside the door of the fences store.

When Dale came out, her face lit up with relief. She hurried over and asked eagerly.

Did you find out anything? What have you learned?

We should head west, it seems.

Ah, thats completely in the opposite direction. Then lets hurry! Leon must be anxiously waiting!

Natalia behaved as though they could meet Leon right away.

However, the likelihood of Leon being alive was not very high.

Dale wondered if he should tell her the truth right then, but then he saw her expression.

Natalia already knows.

Natalia was no fool.

Even though she looked to be young, she was a grown adult. She must already be aware.

Aware of the slim chance of Leons survival.

However, she was forcibly turning her eyes away from that reality. She was comforting herself in such a way.

Natalia, trying hard to sound cheerful, said,

When Leon comes back, I need to give him a piece of my mind. Seriously. Making someone worry like this.

Yes.

Hes always just looking at papers and books. Dont you think its too much, even by a knights standards? I should tell him to pay some attention to me too.

Yes.

We should move up the wedding too. It seems like itll be a lonely ceremony without many family or friends to invite Ah! Could you, Sir knight, possibly come? That would make me so happy.

Dale momentarily paused and then nodded his head.

Yes.

Wow, really?

Natalia, who had been chattering nonstop to forget her anxieties, finally smiled. It was a genuinely happy smile.

The two of them thus returned to the outskirts of Irene and headed out to the western streets. This alone took up a lot of time.

Next, they roamed the western streets, but finding the organization was harder than they thought.

In the first place, Dale had a poor sense of direction and the western part of the slums, with its many back alleys, was very complicated. The Black Serpent Brotherhood seemed to be hiding very well, not showing even a trace of themselves.

Eventually, as late night approached, they had no choice but to stop their search.

Thats enough for today.

I can continue searching alone.

No, you shouldnt. If Sir knight wanders around here alone, you might get lost and never find your way back.

Dale couldnt refute her words.

Natalia smiled brightly and then said while looking at Dale.

Thank you.

For what?

For helping me like this. Other people ignore me because Im a gnome, but Sir Dale doesnt. Leon was also very grateful.

Its nothing.

Ill definitely repay you. Even though I dont have much.

Dale waved his hand as if to say she should forget this matter until later. Natalia smiled again.

Dale looked around the quiet streets of the slums and said,

Then lets resume searching tomorrow morning and head back to the inn now.

Ah! Ill stop by my house for a bit then. There are some things I need to pick up.

Ill come with you.

Natalia shook her head.

Its okay. Ill just drop by quickly and come right back.

It could be dangerous.

Its my own house; what could happen?

Dale tried to hold her back, but Natalia was already running ahead.

While running, she turned her head and waved her arms.

It looks like it might rain, so Ill be back soon!

Dale loosened his grip on the air and turned his hand back.

He then kept his gaze on Natalia until her back disappeared into the distance.

******

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