Chapter 145 – 33. East Again. (2)
The Allen-Mercenary Corps and the Holy Knights passed through the Iron Fortress, Karlstadt, and entered the Rüttenbeck Gorge. Of course, there was no way to pass quietly through a canyon teeming with monsters of all kinds, and there were two or three night attacks in the middle. However, there was no way Allen-Mercenaries or the Holy Knights would be defeated by such a low-level monster.
Anyway, they came out of the canyon safely and finally stepped on the eastern land. It’s about 15 days from Vermandois to here.
Considering the amount of time it took, it was quite a feat. Still, there’s no way the Holy Knights, who selected the elite, or the Allen-Mercenary Corps, who had a lot of experience, could barely make a sound of pain like this.
The group rested for two days in Laplace, the first large city in the East.
The number of mercenaries was noticeably reduced on the streets of the East, which had found peace for the first time in a while. As you know, it’s because everyone left for work in another area. The remaining ones are either mercenaries who are in charge of escorting the mercenaries, or mercenaries who go out to rescue them.
Allen was also on his way anyway, so he tried his best to find a corps to escort, but due to the ransom that hit the floor due to fierce competition, he eventually returned empty-handed to the inn. To be honest, he’s better off taking it easy than going through hardships at a low price.
So, the group of Allens left the city in two days without a company. As promised, Danju took the first step toward Mahvana, the hometown of Master Patong.
True to its reputation, it was nice to see the scenery of the East from the roadside. Sheer mountain ranges, wide green fields, and mild climate make one wonder if this is a region that was struggling in the rags of war not too long ago.
After passing through many villages, the group finally arrived at the middle city of Mahvana, the hometown of the Patong Master.
Oh-
At the sight of a beautiful city standing tall against the backdrop of white-haired high mountains and leisurely-flowing rivers, each member of the crew burst into admiration. Even the gum milk test, where there is no reaction, seems to open its eyes this time. Allen, too, was lost in old memories for a moment.
And in front of the checkpoint in Mahvana, the suckling master proudly pushed his breast and said to the old warden.
“It’s me, Warden.”
“Miss!”
Thanks to Elena, the group was greeted and passed straight through. Returning to his hometown for the first time in many years, there was an unconcealable excitement on his face.
The group that passed through the outer gate moved to the inner gate without rest. Of course, the party went through this time without any restraint.
After entering the castle, she sent only Allen and Quintus, the representatives of the group, to the guest quarters. First of all, it’s polite to say hello to the owner of the city.
Upon hearing that her daughter had returned after many years, Count Herrera personally came out to the countess’s porch and greeted them.
“My daughter-!”
“Father… !”
In the meantime, his hair had become more white, and he warmly embraced her daughter, who now had a mercenary assortment everywhere. Allen and Quintus also bowed and greeted the Count.
“Long time no see. Are we old?”
“Have you been well, Your Excellency?”
“Goodbye.”
The Count shook hands vigorously not only with Allen but also with Quintus.
“Everyone come up.”
He took the three men and women and headed for the drawing room. They met for the first time in years and they had a pile of conversations to share.
Four people sat in a circle in front of a round table where tea was already prepared. The count smiled heartily at his daughter, who had grown more mature as she learned about the world.
…… You’re really grown up now…….
“I have often heard rumors of Allen-mercenaries. He settled in Vermandois. He said he often interacts with River 10. … Viola-Did you say the mercenaries?”
“You’re right.”
“From the first time I saw you, I knew you would grow up. As soon as I saw it, it was completely different from the cotyledon.”
Haha, that’s too much praise.”
The atmosphere was cordial. Allen, too, did not want to stir up the good atmosphere with bloody talk. It won’t be too late even if we settle down later.
“Did you say that this gentleman came from the Holy Land?”
“That’s right.”
“You had a lot of trouble coming this far.”
Just looking at it, I recognized that he was not an ordinary person, but the count was not a person without notice, so he asked only that and refrained from talking about it for a long time. Even though it was his daughter, it was obvious to the count that the entire mercenary corps could not move just for the sake of one member’s hometown visit.
“You can rest here for as long as you want. The hospitality will not disappoint you.”
“If you do, there is nothing better.”
The three men and women talked about what had happened. Elena, in particular, talked about what she had been through to her father incessantly, just like she was an adolescent girl.
From the time I first arrived in Vermandois after leaving the East, the caterpillar monster’s dungeon, the western necromancer, the devil’s beast, the siren’s song, the spirit world’s door, the dreamer’s servant, fake gold…….
To be honest, Vice-captain Quintus, who was listening quietly, was surprisingly splendid. I have heard that the Allen-Mercenary Corps is like a rising star, but when I listened to his detailed career, I felt that the rumors were rather underestimated.
As the short story went back and forth, the day was slowly drawing to a close. A beautiful red sunset spread across the sky, and the Count got up for dinner.
“I will invite all of you to dinner. I want to meet my daughter’s co-workers.”
So, after a short break before dinner, the group all gathered in the dining room and had a hearty dinner with the Count.
After the meal, Allen Danju received a secret call from the Count and headed to his office.
“Sit comfortably.”
The two sat facing each other with a glass of strong whiskey in front of them. Unlike before, the atmosphere was serious.
“I think the reason I came to the East is not just because of my daughter…. Or, is it related to the Holy Kingdom? … Please tell me in a cool way. My mouth is heavy, so don’t worry about leaking.”
Raising his glass and putting the strong drink on his tongue, Allen opened his mouth with a spicy scent.
“You’re right. It is related to the Holy Kingdom.”
“What does the east have to do with Seongguk? I don’t know.”
“It’s because of heresy.”
“Heresy?”
Licking his lips with his tongue, Allen started the engine in earnest.
“Wasn’t the east raging with war not too long ago?”
“Right. There was a lot of chaos upstairs.”
“It is self-evident that a large number of casualties occur when a war breaks out. …… And, that corpse is what Ethan is aiming for.”
“A corpse…….”
“We are now tracking heresy. Were there any suspicious sightings here?”
The count ran his hand over his chin and shook his head slightly.
“There was nothing like that. We haven’t had a land battle since the battle at Marlene Plateau. If the purpose of heresy is corpses, this place will not be of much interest.”
“Okay…. All right.”
“You, too, are tracking some pretty troublesome guys.”
“I can’t help it. I’m not even 10 yet, can a mercenary cover my work? We have to do whatever comes our way.”
Hearing that, the count laughed.
“It’s 10 rivers. Your dreams are great.”
“Shouldn’t that be enough to be called a man?”
The Count thought that the guts of Allen Danju are still the same as they were then and now.
But I couldn’t say that it was baseless vanity. Because he is clearly proving his worth now.
“Therefore… , Where are you going now?”
“I’m thinking of going to the Duchy.”
“Do you have connections?”
“I have someone to meet.”
“Do you need any help? … If you wish, I will write you a letter to my Highness the Duke. He’s an old man I’ve met from time to time, so he’s sure to help.”
Of course, Allen had no reason to refuse. She had plans to meet Elizabeth Budanju, but she deserved to be aware of the possibility that it might go awry. She has a letter from the viola troupe, but it’s good to have as many cards in her hands as possible.
“If you can help me, I would be grateful.”
The Count cleared his throat several times, saying “Hmmmm”.
“… Well, not really, please take good care of my daughter, it’s not like that….”
Allen smiled kindly.
“Ah, yes…. Don’t worry. Elena is a very capable operator, and she is recognized inside and out. She even holds the position of assistant head of the department.”
“Then, well, good luck! …… Is there anything I can care about? You will do well!”
No, you are very concerned.
“I’m not saying this because I’m our daughter. Since he was young, he was smart and always did what he had to do!”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I knew you would do well. … Which man will take you, very blessed! …… Do you think so too?”
“Of course.”
The Count casts a coy glance. Of course, her quick-witted Allen smiled nonchalantly and agreed.
As they exchanged conversations for a while, the count, who had been drinking heavily, raised his voice.
“How pure and innocent Elena is! He doesn’t know anything about men!”
……… Sometimes knowing nothing is the medicine.
If only he knew…..