Chapter 123: Consultation (2)

Chapter 123: Consultation (2)

King Rex Draigo stood still near the Jackson territory.

The two houses that had agreed to join forces were gathering.

The Pantora family, composed of Lizardmen.

The Dom family, made up of Dwarves.

They had appeared to quell the unrest in the Jackson family at the behest of Draigo.

Riding a black horse, Rex Draigo gazed at the approaching Lizardman, Mir Pantora, the head of the Pantora family.

Mir Pantra got down on one knee and said.

The Pantora family has assembled in accordance with His Majestys command.

Draigo waved his hand dismissively, skipping the formalities.

Right now, there was a more pressing matter at hand.

Start explaining. Make it brief.

Rex Draigo commanded the head of the Pantora family with an intimidating presence.

He had received an urgent call for help concerning Gale but was severely lacking in information.

He knew only that a critical problem had arisen for the hero party.

The head of the Pantora family spoke as ordered.

Ive heard that the succession struggle within the Jackson family has escalated into a civil war.

...Even with the hero party there?

Yes. After the heroes eliminated the boss monsters, the third-in-line heir took the opportunity to ambush everyone. This, of course, followed other issues caused by other sons of the Jackson family.

Rex Draigo let out a bitter laugh at this ridiculous truth.

...And naturally, the hero party was also involved?

Thats correct.

Rex clenched his teeth.

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These mad bastards...

As he exuded a combative aura, everyone nearby began to tense up.

It was a well-known fact that the fury of the dragonian surpassed that of any other race.

And among all the dragonians, the anger that ran in the blood of the Draigo family was known to be the deepest.

King Rex Draigo, usually benevolent, was also acknowledged for the cruelty he could exhibit if he so chose.

The knights of Draigo were mentally preparing themselves, aware of their lords volatile state.

It was a day that could potentially end in endless executions.

...?

Then, one by one, they turned their heads towards the sound of the earth trembling.

Rex too sensed the change and looked in the direction of the disturbance.

From a distance, cavalrymen, shaking the ground as they charged, came into view.

They advanced at an unbelievable speed, maintaining formation and posture, a testament to their rigorous training.

...Can you see the flag?

Rex asked this to his aide, Gendry, while observing the approaching group.

Gendry, with furrowed brows, scrutinized in that direction.

Without needing to be ordered, some of Rexs soldiers moved forward to confront the cavalry.

After a moment, Gendrys eyes narrowed as he declared, Its the Red Flames group.

...Hmm.

Interest sparked in Rexs eyes.

He had received a letter from Gale a few days ago with some brief information.

Gale had mentioned going to rescue the vice-captain of the Red Flames group and the hero party.

A new candidate for the Warrior of solitude... and the man loved by the Saintess.

Assuming all had gone well, they must have met by now.

...It seems the information from Gale was true, Rex Draigo muttered to a companion.

It appears that Berg, the human mercenary, did go to rescue the Saintess. Seeing the Red Flames group rush like this.

............

The Archbishop of the Hea Church remained silent.

He just looked down at the ground, his expression frozen and lost.

The Archbishop, after hearing about the betrayal of the Jackson family, seemed more sharp-edged than ever.

He opened his mouth as if to say something to Rex Draigo but...

...

He couldnt say anything and bowed his head again.

...

Rex looked at him and then dismissed it from his mind.

His problem was his own to solve.

Rex wasnt particularly inclined to concern himself with it.

Instead, his attention was drawn to the approaching Red Flames group.

Rex had developed an interest in the Red Flames, a group that had risen rapidly and was now exuding considerable power.

For months, he had been hearing incessantly about Adam and Berg from the Red Flames group.

Especially Adam, who at first seemed just a wise leader, turned out to be a candidate for the Warrior of Solitude and a close associate of Gale.

Berg too was a candidate for the Warrior of solitude, deeply connected with the Saintess.

Who would have thought that among mere mercenaries, there would be two such remarkable individuals?

Rex even contemplated if they could be the final pieces needed to end the war against the demons.

The Red Flames group halted at a respectful distance.

Some of their cavalrymen broke ranks, approaching and conversing with Rexs soldiers.

Soon, a man from the Red Flames group, leading a horse, made his appearance.

He followed Rexs soldiers, joining the main body.

The human man, robust and handsome, dismounted from his horse.

His overwhelming presence was unmistakable.

Had they not been prepared, they might have been one of the mercenary groups facing dissolution.

Of course, this is assuming we win the war. Such incidents as this one must not happen again, the king stated.

He slowly turned his head.

Meeting Adams eyes.

Adam did not avert his gaze.

....Are you a warrior of Lynn? the king asked suddenly.

It was a serious question, asked with a stern expression.

Im not sure myself.

Adam responded with equal seriousness.

The king continued to inquire.

So, is your vice-captain a Warrior of Lynn?

Adam shook his head slightly.

...I dont believe so.

The king sighed.

We need to win this war, yet we still havent found the Warrior of solitude... Maybe this trouble arose because he wasnt here.

...

Adam, you must know. If we lose the war against the Demon King... it wont matter whether the Red Flames group survives or not. Dragonian, Elves, Humans... all will slowly perish at the hands of the demons.

Then, the king, with a hardened expression and a hint of intimidation, asked again.

...Could you or your vice-captain join the hero party?

...................

Adam pondered his answer for a long time, deliberating over what stance to take and how to express it.

After much thought, he finally made a decision and spoke firmly to the king.

That wouldnt be possible.

He directly refused the kings request.

It was risky, but he had to gamble.

Without evidence of being the Warrior of solitude, joining the heroes would be a burden.

Theres also no evidence that youre not the Warrior of solitude.

...

Instead of responding, Adam just looked at Rex.

Rex held the gaze for a long while, then smiled.

Impressive courage. Theres been no one who has stood up to me like this before. Youve earned my respect.

...

Rex let out a long sigh.

The atmosphere lightened.

Right, you make a good point. Without evidence, I cant force you. Even as a king, acting rashly can lose peoples hearts. Ah, being the leader of a mercenary group, you must understand my perspective to some extent.

...Ive found that carrots work better than sticks when I need to persuade.

Rex laughed heartily at that comment.

He laughed robustly for a while.

No fear at all in this one! I like that about you, Gale commented.

Rex, having calmed his laughter, asked.

So, what carrot would you want?

...

Adam momentarily recalled a multitude of long-held thoughts.

He remembered moments spent on battlefields for a long time.

He also thought of his comrades who had died or left.

...And lastly, he considered Berg, weary from his mercenary life.

...

Adam hadnt forgotten the conversation he had with Berg in the Blackwood territory.

The thought had always occupied a place in Adams heart.

Im not a noble, so I dont have land. I cant even farm. Thats why I keep doing mercenary work like this.

It sounds like you wish to someday live a life farming, doesnt it?

If that were possible, it would be great, Berg. Like I said, after the war, we need to find a new path.

Adam pondered deeply before speaking.

.....A title and some land would be nice.

So, you wish to become a noble.

The king looked at Gendry.

Gendry nodded in agreement.

With the aides affirmation, the king continued.

Yes, its not difficult. There are many lands now ownerless due to monsters. Once the war ends, what cant be done?

...

The king smiled.

You cant join the hero party, then?

Adam nodded again.

The king said,

Alright. Then let it be so. There have been tales that the Warrior of solitude acts independently of the hero party... true to the name, a solitary warrior.

He smiled, then added as if setting a safety net.

But remember one thing. If you make significant contributions in the war, I will grant you a title.

Adam looked at the king.

The king continued speaking.

Its a promise. If that moment comes... dont forget it.

The End of The Chapter

[TL: Dongsaeng: It means younger sibling and it can be used for both males or females younger than you regardless of their biological relation to you.

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