CH 149

Everything was sold to pay off the debt, and the item that the debtors coveted the most was the “Golden Falcon”, a relic belonging to the Celestial Archer. In later days, Tragula’s family tried many times to recover the Golden Falcon, but its whereabouts were completely unknown. If the dungeon gates had not begun to open 15 years ago, it would never have appeared again.

The world underwent a cataclysmic change after the dungeons appeared. The emperor declared that the one to defeat the demon lord would be the one to succeed the throne. It was the fall of the empire after a thousand years and the beginning of a new dynasty. The imperial nobles couldn’t bear seeing a new cause overshadow everything they had built up over millennia. They struggled to secure their place in the new empire. Countess Nerus, one of those nobles, spread rumors about hiding the Golden Falcon. Tragula caught wind of those rumors late. Upon learning of these, he immediately went to the noble house of Nerus to fulfill his family’s dream.

“So you are the descendant of the Celestial Archer?”

“Yes. Please, sell me the Golden Falcon.”

“Do you ask while knowing just how much this artifact is worth? I wonder if you even possess that much wealth.”

“…The Golden Falcon is different from other artifacts. It cannot be used by those who aren’t of the Celestial Archer’s blood. You will not be able to sell it, not even to an expedition corps.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Please, Countess. If you will give me the Golden Falcon, I will never forget your favor.”

Tragula had desperately asked for the Golden Falcon. The once-proud inheritor of the Celestial Archer’s bloodline now bowed his head powerlessly. Watching the consequence of a tragic bloodline downfall, Countess Nerus’ lips curved into a devious and scheming kind of smile. As if feeling sorry, she raised Tragula up and said, “Very well… Since you ask so earnestly… I shall give you the Golden Falcon.”

“…!”

“But there is a condition.”

“I will accept, whatever that condition may be.”

“You will become my adoptive son, and become an elite member of the final expedition corps, whatever the means. Can you do it?”

Although she had said adoptive son, it was only nominal. Countess Nerus and Tragula did not have much of an age difference. The reason behind her adopting Tragula, who was already an adult, was simply to use him to elevate the name of Nerus. The way she was waiting for the glory to fall into her lap could very well be considered impressive.

“Why? You said you would do anything, but you can’t give up your family name? Then I can’t give you the Golden Falcon either. There goes our negotiation.”

Countess Nerus was adamant and Tragula, who had to recover the Golden Falcon no matter what, could not wait.

“I… accept that proposal.”

“Good. I trust that a descendant of a hero will not swear falsely. Show me proof of your sincerity.”

On that day, Tragula and Countess Nerus sealed their deal in the bedroom.

Much later, he learned that Countess Nerus knew all along that the Golden Falcon only responded to the bloodline of the Celestial Archer. She had deliberately spread rumors of the artifact to draw out the Celestial Archer’s descendants. By mixing their blood with that of Nerus, it would allow those of her lineage to use the Golden Falcon as well. She was, without a doubt, a greedy woman who did not want to suffer even the smallest loss.

“Tragula. If you fail to become an elite member of the final expedition corps, I will take back the Golden Falcon. It will belong to the child in this belly of mine…” Countess Nerus had smiled contentedly after confirming her pregnancy. Her lips had drawn a cunning, yet charming arc.

“But should you succeed in fulfilling my condition… I will not care about the artifact. After all… I will be writing history in the new empire with the feats you will have achieved in the name of Nerus. It is not a bad offer for you. Either way, the progeny of the Celestial Archer will be the one wielding the Golden Falcon!”