Chapter 860: Act 38 – Two Letters III
Brendel listened quietly to Test’s account before replying, “You brought this upon yourself.”
Yet he was quite surprised internally to learn that the Lionheart Sword had such a history before it reached Freya. Back when he first met Master Berun in the underground of Cold Fir Castle, the philosopher’s stone tablet had suddenly resonated. Looking back now, that must have been when the Everything Returns Society activated the Lionheart Holy Sword. However, they were being overly presumptuous; the Lake Knight guarding the Lionheart Sword was Knight Captain Eke, who had already possessed power rivaling Mephistopheles before he became a heroic spirit. Not to mention after he made the oath to protect it, his fighting spirit would only grow stronger due to his obsessions. For a mere Golden-tier like Test to challenge such a monster was indeed a fool’s errand.
Otherwise, he would have understood that the Lionheart Sword must have been buried near Misty Lake. Why not just go directly there instead of going through so much trouble to acquire the philosopher’s stone tablet?
Speaking of the legendary knight next to Eke, he suddenly recalled that the specter-like figure that had been following Freya had appeared less and less lately. This seemed to imply that the Lionheart Sword had fully recognized Freya as its master, and now he could occasionally catch a glimpse of that knight in the courtyard of Cold Fir Castle. The servants in the castle even treated this fleeting presence of the knight as part of the ghost stories surrounding the castle.
Test did not refute Brendel’s assessment and replied with a weary tone, “Your Excellency the Earl is right, I did bring this upon myself. I’ve lost track of the original purpose of seeking the sword and feel like a complete fool. Ever since I left Misty Lake, I’ve been following that person, feeling as though a voice was compelling me to do so. I can’t think, I can’t rest, I move day and night. I can feel time slipping away rapidly, yet I am powerless to resist. I feel as if I am trapped in an endless nightmare, wandering within it, like a lonely soul in torment.”
“But it seems you’re somewhat clear-headed now,” Brendel said, looking at him.
Test nodded without denying it. “Today, I suddenly became aware again and felt that I was still near the Lionheart Sword.”
“You can feel the Lionheart Sword?” Brendel was a little taken aback.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
“When I see you, Your Excellency the Earl, I naturally know the Lionheart Sword is nearby. Before that, I could only feel a strong calling, as if standing in front of a gray, decaying world, with only a pale road in the wasteland, and I could only follow that road to come here.”
“But it sounds like you’re not unfamiliar with the happenings in the outside world.”
He became an earl only after the battle at Ampere Seale, yet from Test’s tone, it seemed he hadn’t had much opportunity to encounter news from the outside.
“I don’t know, but it seems everything surrounding the sword just naturally enters my mind,” Test replied hoarsely.
Brendel raised an eyebrow; this sounded like some sort of connection to the Lionheart Sword, but it sounded more like a curse rather than recognition. He suddenly recalled a legend—that those who are not recognized by the sword and attempt to covet this holy blade will suffer misfortune. The last victim was the last emperor of the Siphai family; after that, the Lionheart Sword disappeared until it reappeared today.
However, his state was very similar to the Nameless Ones, those who had lost their faith and lost themselves. He did not expect the curse of the Lionheart Sword to have such an effect. Although the members of the Everything Returns Society were mad, their faith was quite firm.
He observed Test again and curiously asked, “I assume you have more than just this to say to me?”
“Naturally, Your Excellency. I believe the voice that guided me here today has a reason. Now, I only seek relief; I do not want to continue living like a walking corpse,” Test replied wearily.
“It seems you don’t need to seek me for this.”
“Death doesn’t solve the problem,” Viscount Test sighed painfully. He was once a proud man, but now he felt like a half-dead elder. “I have died many times, but it’s like I had a dream. Once the dream disappears, I wake up in another place.”
“That does sound worse than death,” Brendel nodded. He had no goodwill toward the members of the Everything Returns Society. While not reveling in their misfortune, he felt no sympathy for them. He looked at Test and continued asking, “You mentioned you wanted to tell me some secrets from the past; it seems you want to trade that for something.”
Test nodded.
Brendel pondered for a moment. To be honest, he was very interested in what Test had to say. The problem was, he was not well-versed in curses, especially ones related to the Nameless Ones, which was inherently dangerous. Back when he dared to enter the dreams of the Nameless Ones in the Death Frost Forest, it was because he understood the nature of that quest. But now to resolve the troubles of this viscount, he might have to enter his dreams. If Test had even a shred of malicious intent, that journey would be perilous.
If this viscount were anyone else, it would be one thing, but he happened to be a follower of the Everything Returns Society. Brendel was not noble enough to take risks for an enemy. After considering, he declined, “To be honest, I prefer not to deal with someone like you. I can extend a hand of friendship to those nobles I despise and tolerate the arrogance of the Crusian, but I do not wish to be associated with the Everything Returns Society.”
“Yes, we are infamous,” Test replied weakly. His brows furrowed, his tone becoming somewhat urgent. “I understand this might be hard for you to accept, but—”
“No,” Brendel shook his head, interrupting him. “It’s not because of that. It’s because you are too mad.”
“Mad? No, my lord, some of us pursue truth, some pursue power, but that doesn’t necessarily make us more despicable than those you choose to deal with.” Test’s tone was weak, yet when he spoke these words, it still exuded a trace of disdain.
“Self-serving despicability is indeed contemptible, but at least it won’t disturb people.” Brendel replied, “No one enjoys dealing with madmen.”
“Stop playing coy with me, Your Excellency. I know you are interested in the secret I mentioned…” Test seemed to sense that Brendel was just dismissing him, can’t help but interrupt with urgency, “Why not give me a chance, give us all a chance, my secret will surely satisfy you! It concerns one of your subordinates, the safety of a certain lady close to you!”
Brendel looked at the half-dead guy in front of him, his heart leaped. The first person he thought of was Xi, the mountain girl who had been missing for quite a while. Cold Fir Territory and Lantonrand had sent out nearly all their scouts and informants but found no trace of her. He had even asked the Bud to help, regarding the Azure Spear, and the Bud had agreed readily. However, there had been no news till now.
He looked at Test coldly and asked, “What are you saying?”
Viscount Test clutched the rusted iron gate railing and glared at Brendel fiercely. His face was pale, almost ghost-like. He stood there for a moment, as if hesitating to reveal everything he knew. He didn’t know whether Brendel would deceive him, but an evident anxiety spread across his expression. “I don’t have much time, Your Excellency. We have no grievances in the past; perhaps there was a small misunderstanding, but we have no need to hold onto such minor issues. I trust your character; just give me a promise and I will tell you the secret.”
“At this point, do you think you still have room to bargain, Viscount Test?” Brendel took in Test’s expression. While he was curious what could have brought this proud viscount to such a state, at that moment, all his thoughts were on that girl with the red ponytail.
“Your Excellency, are you truly so cold-hearted that you would disregard the safety of your subordinate?” Test suddenly contorted his face and, gripping the iron railing tightly, wailed, “All I need is your promise!”
“Very well,” Brendel finally relented. “As long as your secret truly seems valuable to me.”
Test seemed to sigh with relief as he replied, his face twisted, “…Your Excellency the Earl, the lady beside you… Ah!” He suddenly widened his eyes and let out a sharp cry, “No, no! Wait a moment… Your Excellency, listen to me… Ah… the one who went to find the daughter of Bog Niesong was one of Maguske’s subordinates… if you care about this, then let me be free… no, don’t take me! Please! Ah…”
With a chilling wail, Test’s voice abruptly transformed into a series of terrified roars. In that moment, Brendel felt something pass through the night, as if a shimmering apparition crossed over the surface of the river. It seemed to carry countless soldiers, directly dragging Test into it. By the time he blinked, the viscount who had been present before him had vanished without a trace. Brendel quickly rushed to the riverbank, only to see the water calm and undisturbed, not even a ripple remaining.
However, when he looked down, he saw a gap torn out of the rusty iron gate, as if proving that what he had witnessed was not an illusion.
Brendel stood by the river, bathed in the cool night breeze, and stood there dazed for a moment, feeling a chill run down his spine. Test’s last wail seemed to echo in his mind—Bog Niesong’s daughter—wasn’t that Antinna? What exactly did that guy know? Did he say Maguske was looking for Antinna? He also knew Maguske, leader of the White Wing Cavalry, a senior member of the Everything Returns Society, who had been executed in the subsequent purge after the battle at Ampere Seale. He must have been on the pyre by now.
But how could all this messy stuff be related to Antinna?
He had come to Bruglas for family matters but hadn’t expected to encounter this situation, leaving him momentarily dumbfounded. But why would the Everything Returns Society be looking for Antinna? He couldn’t help but glance back at the dilapidated building, which under the night sky resembled a crooked, monstrous shadow, appearing even more eerie and terrifying against the dim lights in the distance. He took a deep breath, feeling a hint of unease in his heart.
After a moment, the boy who had left earlier ran back, panting. Upon seeing Brendel’s grim expression, he seemed puzzled and couldn’t help but ask, “Did I come back too late, sir?”
Brendel did not answer. He only asked, “Did you hear any sounds earlier?”
“Sounds?” The boy showed a confused expression and shook his head.
Brendel finally glanced at the iron railing before taking the package from the boy. He opened it and saw it was steaming bread and cured meat, along with a few roasted potatoes. The food did not appear to be from an inn but rather like something the boy had brought from home. While not lavish, it was certainly better than the stale bread they would gnaw on while camping in the wilderness. He stashed the package away and tossed the boy a silver coin as a tip.
The boy looked surprised, feeling a bit intimidated at first, but seeing the money, Brendel began to seem more amiable in his eyes. Brendel appreciated the boy’s local knowledge and left a way to contact him, effectively hiring him as a temporary assistant. The boy readily accepted, eager to serve Brendel, as a single Tor was nearly equivalent to a week’s wages for a skilled craftsman; Brendel’s generous reward would keep him busy for quite some time. Such a generous employer was a rare find.
Besides, there was extra pay involved.
Brendel instructed the boy to report to him the next day and then took one last look at the Buche River, flowing quietly across the city before turning back on his way upstairs. Upon returning to his room, he found both ladies sitting at the desk. Freya was reading a thin booklet under candlelight, and Brendel quickly glimpsed the title—”Suleiman’s Cavalry Notes,” a famous book in Erluin and one of the standard cavalry tactical textbooks of the Royal Officer Academy. Though somewhat outdated, it was a book that the girl from Buche Country would review whenever she had the chance.
He then turned his gaze to Antinna, the aide. She did not match him or Freya’s strength and had a physique more akin to an ordinary person. After days of riding and travel, she looked utterly exhausted and had fallen asleep, her head resting on the desk. Yet this aide was quite stubborn; despite being so tired, she was unwilling to sleep alone. Brendel couldn’t help but smile at this sight, shaking his head. He closed the door and walked over to place the food he had found next to Freya. It seemed that Freya only then noticed his presence and was startled, snapping back to reality from the world of books.
Brendel quickly made a shushing motion to her, pointing at Antinna. Only then did she realize that the aide who had been sitting beside her was asleep, and she looked apologetically at him. “I’m sorry, Brendel, I was too engrossed in my reading, and Antinna didn’t….” She quickly replied, but Brendel waved his hand and gently lifted the aide. With one hand supporting her back and the other slipping beneath her knees, he picked her up effortlessly. She was deeply asleep, her long eyelashes fluttering under the candlelight as if dreaming sweetly. Brendel felt an enchanting fragrance of youth linger in the air, causing him to momentarily freeze. Freya, watching this scene, felt a twinge of jealousy without knowing why and softly asked, “Brendel, do you need my help?”
Brendel hesitated for a moment, then realized that it would have been more appropriate for Freya to assist. However, when he had seen Antinna sleeping so weakly at the desk, his heart had filled with tenderness, wanting to protect his unique aide, momentarily forgetting this consideration. He paused, and in the end, shook his head gently. Having started, stopping now would seem awkward. He walked to the bed, gently laid Antinna down, and pulled the blanket over her. When he lifted his head, he met Freya’s gaze, and she slightly turned her head away.
“You should sleep too; I’ll keep watch over you.”
“No need, Brendel, I’m not sleepy,” Freya declined.
She picked up the little booklet again, flipping through a few pages, but found herself restless and returned her focus to Brendel, who had taken the place Antinna had previously occupied. As she looked over, she finally asked, “Did you hear anything earlier?”
“Sounds?” Freya had just intended to ask about what had occurred between him and Antinna but was halted by Brendel’s unexpected question, startled. She thought he must be trying to change the subject; surely, there had been no sound before. She shook her head, “No.”
Brendel knitted his brows lightly. Test’s last scream was not quiet, at least traveling along the river for a hundred meters, but he had already asked the boy earlier, whose answer was the same as Freya’s.
This was strange. He knew there was only one situation that could create this kind of anomaly—that he had encountered an illusion. Yet the gap in the iron railing reminded him that what he had experienced was real.
He recalled Test’s words and suddenly thought back to the first time he met Antinna, encountering those patrolling knights.
Initially, he believed those guys were after a shakedown, but looking back now, many doubts arose. Erluin, despite its decay, had its own rules among nobles. Antinna was a noble descendant, after all, and those patrolling knights would undoubtedly be aware of this. If they sought some extra cash, there were plenty of easier targets, with no need to bring trouble upon themselves. Yet, considering what Test said today made things more coherent; Brendel recognized that Bruglas’s patrol knights were also from the White Wing Cavalry.
That meant the people he encountered that day were likely Maguske’s subordinates. But if Test was not lying, what did the Everything Returns Society want from Antinna?
With this thought, he couldn’t help but glance at the noble girl sleeping on the bed, looking like a princess asleep in a fairytale, flooded with confusion.
“Forget it.”
Brendel finally shook his head. There was no use pondering over things he couldn’t understand. After all, Antinna was close by, and if the Everything Returns Society wanted to cause her trouble, they would first have to consider his agreement.
