Chapter 27: To the Burning City (1)

Chapter 27: To the Burning City (1)

After obtaining the Gourmet trait, Ethan felt incredibly light.

It was almost like having a passive skill.

The Gourmet trait continued to activate due to the curse, providing its effects constantly.

The effects are quite neat. Increased strength and defense stats.

Furthermore, if Ethan were to be affected by another status ailment, the stat boosts would stack.

I just need to make gradual adjustments like this.

Euhh, Sir Ethan, how can you eat that and still be fine?

Murine, who had struggled after eating poisoned food, asked with a puzzled expression.

Ethan gently smiled and shared some decoction with Murine.

Eat this.

Th-thank you.

Murine, who already regarded Ethan as an impressive person, had a different look in his eyes after eating the poisoned meat.

Ethan looked at Murine and began thinking about the upcoming events tomorrow.

Tomorrow would likely be the day of the decisive battle. He needed to plan everything properly to overcome this trial flawlessly.

As Ethan was devising his plan, a Royal Knight approached him.

Ethan Whiskers, Her Highness is looking for you.Upstodatee from n(0)/ve/lbIn/.(co/m

* * *

When he entered the princesss tent as summoned, Princess Lea sat there with a worried expression. He first wondered if there would be other people gathered, but it turned out she was the only one inside the tent.

Although it was a bit strange, he quickly assumed that she trusted him to that extent and comfortably spoke up.

Did you call for me?

I wanted to talk, so I called for you.

Princess Lea let out a deep sigh as Ethan took a seat.

Do you think we can drive out the Fire Dragon King?

Ethan pretended to contemplate for a moment, then nodded.

Considering the actual history, they did manage to drive out the Dragon King.

However, he couldnt say that it would come at the cost of the princesss life.

Yes.

Do you have a reason for you to say that?

Because you, Princess, are here.

As Ethan spoke as if he knew something, the princess silently looked at him before speaking.

I dont know where you came from, but it seems like youre aware of my power.

I dont know much. I just have a feeling.

Princess Lea let out a small sigh.

Well, fine. Thats not important. I called you here because I have one request for you.

What is your request?

I will drive out the Dragon King myself. I dont really need your help or anyone elses. However, if I do that, I will die.

So, thats why she will die.

Although he didnt know much, it seemed there was a way for her to exert great power by sacrificing herself.

Princess Lea already seemed determined, as if she had made up her mind.

You mentioned that you also have family there, right? Could you possibly save my mother while rescuing your own family?

Your mother?

My foster mother who raised me is there.

It seemed like there was a complicated family history involved.

Others may not know, but I already carry the bloodline of the royal family. Thats why I have no choice but to entrust it to you. If you fulfill this request, I will grant you all of my power.

Is this related to her personal matter?

It seemed like a clue to completing the quest was emerging.

After a moment of contemplation, Ethan nodded.

I understand. I will do it.

Thank you, truly thank you.

* * *

Burn-!

Stand by!

In the distance, a burning city came into view.

The great city of Reichardt was engulfed in flames. The city walls were charred black, and the bridge leading into it was severed.

Thud-!

At the sight, the reclamation troops charged forward.

They wanted to get inside as quickly as possible.

Then, a roar echoed.

Roarrr!

It was a sound they had never heard before.

Dragon Fear!

Despite the considerable distance, many froze in their tracks at the mere sound of the roar.

Blessings of Nature.

Natures protection, natures armament.

The priests immediately cast buff magic. It was the same magic that Ethan had been taught.

Ethan made a U-turn and headed back towards the house with the blue roof, retracing his steps. It would be faster to go back the way he came.

However, if he did that, he would have to cross paths with the reclamation troops engaged in battle with the Fire Dragon King. So, he chose to take a detour instead.

Keukkkk.

Get a hold of yourself! We need to escape quickly!

Now is not the time for this!

M-mom! Mom!

Someone help here, please!

Reichardt was truly a hellish scene.

Just witnessing the sight of the burning city upon entering was overwhelming enough, but seeing people dying inside was a shock beyond words.

However, soon after, he shook his head and regained his composure.

Its already over.

This was just a recreation of the past.

The memories of Princess Lea Martinez, it was a thing of the past.

Even if I try to save them here, it wont change anything.

The dead were already dead, and the living were still alive. Those who survived in this place had likely passed away by now.

Damn it.

Despite knowing it was foolish, his body moved on its own.

He quickly rescued the people trapped under the collapsed buildings and continued running forward.

Thank you! Sniff, thank you so much!

Ding!

-You have earned an achievement!

-You performed a good deed!

-You earned an achievement [Hesitated but Eventually Did It]!

-You have earned 3 likes!

Was there also this kind of thing?

Ethan smirked.

Good deeds always came back in some way.

There were no meaningless events in the world.

Ethan continued running and arrived at the house with the blue roof.

It had been quite some time since the Fire Dragon King arrived in Reichardt.

Theres a high chance they evacuated.

He tore the door off and entered. The inside was quiet.

Activating his Heros Breathing, Ethan listened intently.

Theres a basement.

There was a basement inside the kitchen.

Ethan immediately headed towards the kitchen and started rummaging through the floor.

Found it.

Then, Ethan discovered the door to the basement on the floor.

Since it was securely locked, he used Dinalychus to smash the basement door.

There was no time to leisurely knock and ask if anyone was inside.

Kwaang-!

Outside, the commotion could still be heard.

As Ethan opened the basement door, a musty smell greeted him.

Upon entering, he saw a long staircase.

Small torches, seemingly recently attached, adorned the walls.

Is anyone inside? Im with the reclamation sent to reclaim Reichardt! Dont be afraid! Ive come to rescue you on behalf of the reclamation force!

Ethan spoke in the most friendly voice possible.

Then, he sensed movement from below.

Reclamation force, you say?

It was a hesitant voice. There was a slight tremor as if the person doubted whether Ethan was truly from the reclamation force.

Being in the basement, they probably didnt have a good understanding of the situation outside. However, it was clear that they were filled with fear.

Yes, please rest assured. Im from the reclamation force. Right now, Princess Lea Martinez is leading the reclamation force to fight against the Fire Dragon King Siegmund, to drive him out.

Please come down here first.

As Ethan descended, he saw an elderly woman with snow-white hair. She seemed momentarily surprised when she saw Ethan, but quickly composed herself and guided him.

You are truly noble, despite your young age. Thank you so much for coming to help Reichardt.

Its not me, but rather I came here on behalf of the princess.

Under the orders of Princess Lea, I see.

Yes, she specifically asked me to bring you, her mother, to a safe place.

Upon hearing those words, she fell silent.

Was it truly the princesss order to bring her mother to a safe place?

She looked at Ethan with suspicion.

Yes, its natural for you to suspect me. Since its sudden for me to come here and say such things. But its the truth. Its dangerous outside right now. The basement might be safe, but if that dragon goes mad and starts spewing fire around, theres a chance that this place could be affected as well.

Upon hearing Ethans words, she let out a sigh.

In such a situation where doubts are inevitable, I apologize. Its because Princess Lea she doesnt refer to me as mother.'

The princesss foster mother spoke with a bitter smile.

1. TLN: Sorry to interrupt your reading but, I just want to tell you that this is an onomatopoeia of roaring flames. Not the roar of the Dragon King