Alimo (1)
Chapter 177
“…”
Ernst looked down at Ray, who was bowing his head, and then lowered his gaze.
On the desk in the study lay the Empire’s new sacred sword, left there alone.
Even though Ernst had confined Ray to the fortress as if under house arrest, he had entrusted Moros to Ray until the very end.
Since Moros could be stored in A-Space and secretly transported outside, Ernst’s decision not to take it from Ray was a calculated move to build trust between them.
Ray must have understood Ernst’s intentions.
Still, the fact that Ray was now outright offering to transfer ownership of Moros…
“Let’s hear you out first.”
With Ernst’s permission, Ray began to speak.
“Lord Gadi, who owns the territory near Dinor in Phillip’s County, has gone missing in Alimo.”
“If this is your request, I will investigate his whereabouts for you.”
Ernst frowned again as he glanced once more at Moros.
“Are you suggesting that you go to Alimo yourself to find Lord Gadi? There’s no reason for you to do so.”
“The ancestor of the Gadi family was Cassilas, a war hero from 600 years ago.”
It was information new even to Ernst.
Ray continued while still bowed.
“For a long time, the Gadi family has upheld the legacy of their ancestors by protecting the bloodline of Resina, cursed by the World Tree.”
“…”
“There is, however, a bigger issue. Ulte Gadi possesses ‘Genesis,’ one of the most powerful artifacts of the World Tree, which was once wielded by Resina. Although its functions and meanings have largely faded due to the curse of the World Tree, we cannot afford to overlook it.”
“Genesis… Is that the term for the root of the World Tree used by Resina?”
“Yes, exactly. Alimo is close to the Demonic Realm. If Genesis were to fall into the hands of evil forces, there’s ample potential for misuse.”
“…”
If Lord Gadi truly possessed Genesis, it wasn’t something to be taken lightly.
Ray argued to Ernst, who was lost in thought, about securing both Lord Gadi’s safety and Genesis.
After silently observing Ray for a moment, Ernst spoke.
“If all you say is true, this isn’t something to be ignored. However, there’s no need for you to personally get involved. The Empire has agents far more experienced and cunning than you.”
“I agree, Your Excellency; I still have much to improve upon. But among the forces available to the Empire, excluding those of Lord rank, I am the strongest.”
That was indeed the truth.
Excluding Lord-level individuals, there were few, if any, who could face Ray head-on.
Ernst tapped on the table and lowered his voice.
“…There’s nothing certain yet. Why should the Empire expend such a powerful resource as you?”
“As I’ve stated, this matter can’t be overlooked, and Alimo, being close to the Demonic Realm, is a dangerous place. Especially during times like these. To prepare for any eventuality, we need a strong force capable of turning the situation around. And…”
Ray hesitated, showing a hint of embarrassment before presenting his final argument.
“I don’t think it’s merely a coincidence that I was born near the Baronies of Phillip and Gadi, led by descendants of heroes. I believe… this is my destiny and mission.”
“…”
“I will secure Ulte’s safety and recover Genesis to prevent future disasters. For the sake of the Empire, please assist me.”
Ernst remained silent for quite some time.
Ray waited patiently, bowing deeply as he awaited Ernst’s judgment.
As Ernst pondered, his eyes lingered on the inscription on the blade of Moros before he let out a short sigh.
“To operate in Alimo, we’ll need the cooperation of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau.”
It was only natural, since the Prizzran Clan didn’t conduct large-scale espionage activities abroad.
“If the history you mentioned is true, there should be records of it in the royal archives. I will report this matter to His Majesty the Emperor and verify the facts.”
“…”
“If your claims are credible and His Majesty approves the operation, I will arrange for additional personnel to be dispatched to Alimo.”
The distance from the Imperial Capital to Alimo was considerable.
To quickly send reinforcements, they would need to use the Warp Gate.
The Warp Gate wasn’t something that could be used freely.
However, given the recent turmoil with demons appearing within the Empire, it wouldn’t be difficult to justify opening the Warp Gate for inter-state talks under the guise of discussing the matter.
“I can arrange for you to be sent undercover to Alimo and make contact with the resident imperial intelligence agents.”
He could arrange it.
But he wasn’t promising anything.
Given the lack of information, Ernst couldn’t commit to anything concrete right here and now.
Ernst pushed Moros towards Ray.
“I’ll seek His Majesty’s approval first. If His Majesty doesn’t approve, you’ll need to let it go cleanly.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ernst.”
Ray bowed deeply.
Regarding the issue of Ulte, Ernst could have dismissed it entirely without consequence.
Yet, Ernst offered conditional support to Ray.
For that, Ray genuinely felt grateful to Ernst.
“If you help, I will certainly deliver results.”
“Take this with you first.”
At Ernst’s gesture, Ray retrieved Moros and stowed it away in A-space.
“…Ah, Mr. Ernst.”
“Is there anything else you wish to say?”
“Would it be possible to disguise myself as a low-ranking Mage?”
“Mage?”
“Yes. Though being a Mage might invite more scrutiny, it would allow me to avoid suspicion when dealing with someone using a sword.”
“Not a bad suggestion. But can you convincingly mimic a Mage?”
When Ernst asked, Ray momentarily thought of Hard Stick, Wind Cutter, or Lightning Blade but decided against showing off unnecessarily. Instead, he spread out his hand.
“I possess a Circle, allowing me to cast simple spells without an Artefact.”
Ray generated an ice crystal on his palm.
Ernst said he would consider it and dismissed Ray from the study.
The weather had turned quite chilly recently.
Walking down the corridor, Ray muttered to himself that he wouldn’t be returning to the barony before next year, regardless of how things turned out.
Feeling the cool air, he looked outside when he saw Alessia approaching with Karen from the opposite end of the corridor.
“You traitorous knight of mine!”
“Could you perhaps restore my title?”
“No way. If you’d just followed the proper order, none of this would have happened.”
Karen, listening nearby, seemed embarrassed.
Regardless, Alessia grabbed Ray and continued her lecture.
“I never said not to kiss, did I? I’m saying you must follow the proper ORDER!”
She went on talking for quite some time, circling around the main point, before lifting her chin proudly.
“Now, show me!”
“…Here?”
Looking around the corridor, Ray gave Alessia a quick peck on the lips.
Cluck
Alessia smiled contentedly after their kiss.
“Understand this: if you kiss me first and then Karen, there will be no problems.”
“So, can I kiss Karen now?”
At Ray’s question, Alessia hesitated for a moment.
“A, e, e, y, yes…?”
Ray kissed Karen, whose face was already flushed.
Watching Ray actually do it, Alessia’s jaw dropped.
Their kiss was brief but felt longer.
Though it was hard to pinpoint why, Alessia noticed more affection and excitement in this kiss compared to hers earlier.
Blinking her eyes, she shouted.
“My knight!!”
“Why are you yelling again?”
“Isn’t there less affection in the kiss you shared with me compared to Karen?!”
“That’s a misunderstanding.”
“There was less affection!!”
As Alessia threw a tantrum, Ray tried to calm her down and eventually hugged her.
Feeling Alessia’s arms tightly encircling his neck, Ray softly asked,
“Why are you so worried lately?”
“It’s because my traitorous knight keeps looking around everywhere!”
Sulking, Alessia mumbled.
“Don’t worry. I won’t abandon you, Alessia.”
“…Abandon?”
Realizing his slip of tongue, Ray quickly corrected himself.
“I won’t betray you, Alessia.”
“…”
Glaring at Ray with dagger-like eyes, Alessia bit his lip.
Ray struggled, letting out a muffled cry through his closed lips as he wriggled.
Massaging his swollen lips, Ray headed towards the dining hall.
He had a lunch appointment with Speira today.
Publicly, Ray was considered Speira’s chosen partner designated by Ernst, so occasionally they dined together like today.
After tidying up his appearance, Ray entered the dining hall where Speira had already arrived.
Ray greeted Speira and took his seat across from her.
Initially, their private meals were awkward, filled with silence throughout.
Of course, now they were quite comfortable conversing with each other.
As they chatted lightly, the food arrived.
While Ray was cutting his meat and bringing it to his mouth, Speira put down her fork and spoke.
“Johanna, right?”
“Croak!! Choke!!”
Startled, Ray covered his mouth with the napkin beside him and coughed.
Once he managed to calm down, he wiped his mouth and replied.
“Um, why bring up Johanna during a meal?”
“…Can’t I?”
“…You may. Of course, you may. What’s wrong with that?”
Ray absently wiped his nose and took another bite of meat.
While chewing, he detected an unusual musky aroma emanating from the meat juices.
While Ray was patting his nose, Speira cautiously asked,
“When did Johanna start learning the sword?”
“Eh, um, Miss Speira.”
Ray chuckled.
Today, Speira had come straight from sparring with Johanna.
And her expression hadn’t looked too pleased since Ray arrived at the dining hall.
People’s hearts work that way.
Discovering a rival of similar age to compare oneself against is exciting, but surpassing them is not something anyone desires.
Maintaining a slight edge over others by a margin akin to a sheet of paper.
This is the ideal relationship most people aspire to have with their rivals.
“Two years is a long time, Miss Speira. Especially for our age group. It’s a period of dramatic growth. In about five years, the two-year gap will fade away quickly.”
“Ray, I…”
“I believe both you and Johanna possess talents so comparable that it’s hard to distinguish superiority. I hope you two become competitors and friends who inspire and push each other.”
“…”
“At the moment, it might feel shocking and uncomfortable. You thought you were alone, high atop a mountain peak, but suddenly someone appeared just above you. But because of that, you’ll serve as healthy stimulation for each other. That’s what I believe.”
“Hmm…”
Realizing her thoughts had been completely read, Speira cleared her throat awkwardly.
She felt a mix of discomfort and shyness but also found Ray strangely mysterious.
Growing up in an environment where he hadn’t received proper education, he was just a boy two years older than her, yet the wisdom he carried surpassed her own. At least, that’s how she perceived it.
After observing Ray silently for a moment, Speira smiled faintly and changed the subject.
“How’s your body holding up?”
“I’m fine. It might take a little more time for a full recovery, though.”
“Will you stay here until next year?”
“…I suppose.”
Unless absolutely necessary, Ray wanted to move himself to find Ulte.
While chewing on the meat, Ray absentmindedly rubbed his nose.
The meat aroma seemed stronger than usual today.
*
“Enter.”
Having received the Emperor’s approval, Ernst personally opened the door and entered the room.
In the small chamber where private audiences once took place, the Emperor welcomed Ernst again.
First, Ernst knelt and greeted the Emperor.
“May you live long and prosper.”
“Longevity eludes me.”
The Emperor responded with a touch of jest.
His health was deteriorating, but it was part of the natural progression, so there was no need for alarm.
Ernst, sensing that the Emperor’s time was running short, felt a mixture of emotions as he raised his head.
The Emperor smiled gently at Ernst.
“Your intelligence network is formidable.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Gadi family is indeed the direct descendant of Cassilas. However, the ownership of Genesis remains unconfirmed. Still, dismissing the story as mere fantasy would be challenging.”
Upon confirming that part of Ray’s story was true, Ernst internally swallowed his concerns.
The Emperor flipped through the papers on the table.
Ernst had submitted a written report to the Emperor regarding the issue of Ulte.
A noble of the Empire, Lord Gadi, has gone missing in Alimo.
Lord Gadi is the direct descendant of Cassilas, and unverified information suggests that he possesses ‘Genesis,’ a divine artifact of the World Tree.
I seek His Majesty’s opinion on this matter.
Broadly, this was the content of the report.
Tapping on the report, the Emperor spoke.
“I believe this matter… should be entrusted to you.”
