Chapter 171 – 38. Puppets. (4)
The dusky dawn just about to break. A wagon procession carrying two mercenaries left Vermandois, surrounded by thick mist.
Destination West. It was obviously a long way, so Allen-Mercenary Corps fully prepared.
They made a short stop at Seongguk on their way west. As the size of the mercenary group has grown, it seems that a healer will be needed.
To be honest, there was a little bit of awkwardness between the Allen-Mercenary Corps and Seongguk, but if you’re not going into the castle, you don’t have to worry about it.
So, during the two days that Allen Danju was staying in the holy kingdom, he worked hard to find decent believers. He wasn’t going to sign a long-term contract anyway, and since this was a short-term hire for this mission, he wasn’t too particular about his characteristics. He just needed to be efficient.
[Strength: 9] [Agility: 11] [Stamina: 19] [Intelligence: 22] [Magic power: 27]
[Beomjae] [Singularity] [Confidence] [Desire] [Materialism] [Curiosity] [Sensitiveness]
This short-term hired believer is a short-lived young man named Luca. To be honest, it didn’t match the level of Allen-Mercenaries, but it was the most reasonable price among the people I searched for two days. Or they’re all overpriced, or they’re not willing to make it all the way west.
Accompanied by the short-term hired healer, Allen’s group left for the West again. They pass through several towns and villages in the central region, and finally enter the Boremang Cliff Road.
Every time I passed by the precipice of Cheon-gil, the furry Geese, who had a fear of heights, trembled like a girl who saw an insect unsuitable for her size.
“Ugh, I have a lot of fear!”
“Come on, don’t play! Gee, it’s really scary, hey, hey… !”
She smiled softly with an expression that said, “I’m sorry for the gum milk test.” At a time like this or when will you pick that smirking bastard!
Fortunately, the precarious cliff road wasn’t too long. They crossed the arched stone bridge between the low valleys and finally entered the west side.
The rocks of Dol Valley gradually changed to a reddish color like the symbol of the West.
And soon after getting off the Borremang Cliff Road, Norton, a large city in the west, revealed its magnificent majesty.
The first visitors to the West poured out a small exclamation at the miraculous sight of the scenery of the wasteland and the fertile land next to the river flowing slowly. In addition, the appearance of dozens of boats floating around, including boats rarely seen in Vermandois, was indeed worthy of being called the western part of entertainment.
As befits a region that proudly ranked first in the beauty rankings, the city was lined with beauties. A mysterious neighborhood where even the shabby-dressed woman has a delicate beauty.
The filthy mercenaries were seduced by her beauty and ran wild, promising to live in the West unconditionally after retiring.
Of course, the group had no time for entertainment here, so they set off again in less than two days. This time, as in the past, after passing through the middle city of Ordesa, I arrived at the middle city of Hegel.
…… Has it been restored…….
Hegel, a city once ruined by a necromancer. However, years passed, and it seemed to have recovered to some extent. Of course, it wasn’t the same as before, but it still seemed to have a population of a small town.
At that time, all those who remembered seeing the captured Hegel looked surprised. A place that was no different from a complete ghost town, but now it smells of people.
But there was still a long way to go to get to Lewis’ hometown. …… In fact, rumors about it are already being heard here and there.
The people of the Count’s family who have gone mad.
And an epidemic of madness spread through the city.
A city that has slowly lost its function.
…… And massacre!
Count Zola ruthlessly killed the townsfolk over petty faults. Of course, they are also in a state of murder and violence.
Hearing the rumor, Louis Danju looked stunned. I did have seizures from time to time, but they weren’t this severe. Who knew that something terrible would sweep through the city as he went to ask for help.
But fortunately, it seems that they haven’t declared war on other territories yet. The madness that started with this fucking doll could easily lead to war.
…… As long as it starts, it’s better to finish it neatly before it spreads further.
Even now, mercenaries who went through the Eastern War spread across the entire continent, and the city’s armament had progressed considerably, and it was obvious that if even one spark from a telephone flicked on the straw called the West, it would catch fire in no time. So, if possible, ending in one or two cities is the best scenario.
Thus, Allen’s group made a more forced march. I have to find a doll somewhere in the Count’s castle as soon as possible and go to the underground labyrinth of the magic tower.
After spending more than 15 days in the wagon to the point of getting bored, they finally arrived in Louise’s hometown, the middle city of Aldesa.
“I’m back!”
When Louis Danzoo shouted, having quickly outpaced the long line at the checkpoint, Allen’s group passed through the gate with ease.
The city, which should have had an atmosphere of leisurely recreation, was somehow eerie.
The faces of the people walking the streets were filled with anger that seemed like they would explode if touched, most of the stores were closed, and you could see them having a fight here and there.
It feels like magma is bubbling before a volcano erupts…. The atmosphere in Aldesa was exactly like that.
Louise’s mind, wondering if the rumors were exaggerated, collapsed at once. The city, without any exaggeration, was just like the rumors.
Lewis headed straight for the introspection. No matter how chaotic the city is, there’s no way that the count’s son couldn’t pass through the castle gate.
Of course, there was no difference between the inside and the outside and the atmosphere. No, rather bloody, bloody. It’s because Aldesa is where the omnipotent power is located.
“Then I will go see my father. Allen Danju, have a good rest today.”
Allen, however, caught Louis as he tried to leave for the count.
“No, can I talk to you for a minute? Alone in the carriage.”
“…… Yes?”
“It is an urgent matter.”
That’s about it, the western youth happily nodded his head.
The two got into the carriage and sat facing each other.
“I don’t want you to go see the Count today.”
“Why is that?”
“The situation is more serious than we thought. …… It must be finished with a speedy resolution. If possible, before passing tonight.”
ㅡ!
“So, is it severe?”
“They are already waiting for us to come over there. …… You are the only normal person among the Count’s blood relatives.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that someone will approach you, trying to infect you with madness. I’m sorry to say this, but I can’t trust even the current count. No, it is rather dangerous. If you leave the city alone even if it turns into such a mess, it means that you are already mad.”
At Allen’s words, Louis swallowed his saliva nervously.
“Pretend to be sick. And go with me to your bedroom. …… Accompany three of your best fighting mercenaries. I don’t know if I’ll have to break through.”
“I knew. …… Can you solve it by doing this?”
“I can’t say for sure yet. We must first find a doll somewhere here.”
“…… But what does pretending to be sick have to do with dolls?”
Hearing that question, Allen laughed heartily.
“Because the person who comes to your room first must be the owner of the doll.”
· · ·
Louis headed to his room pretending to be sick from the long journey. Of course, I ask for forgiveness for not being able to greet his father, the Count, due to circumstances.
In his bedroom, the three most outstanding mercenaries of the Lewis-Mercenary Corps, along with Allen Danju and two other mercenaries, settled down. Of course, those two are a gum milk tester and a blind woman. If it were them, even if the worst situation occurred, they would be able to escape the Countess.
Louis lying in bed pretending to be sick. And Allen pulled a chair and sat beside the bed.
“…… Really, can I come?”
“Coming. And from the moment you figure out the identity of the opponent, the mission begins. Keep in mind. …… Did you tell the crew everything?”
“Yes… !”
“Maybe there will come a moment when we have to disobey His Excellency’s orders. So, you need to be prepared.”
Of course, Lewis didn’t answer easily. He disobeyed his father’s orders. To be honest, it’s not an easy thing to follow. He didn’t even know that things would turn out like this.
Allen calmly opened his mouth again to convince him. …… Now the matter was no longer his own. The fate of the Allen-Mercenaries is also tied together.
“The situation in the city is not normal right now. You are the only one who can get this back to normal. …… Decide before it’s too late. Depending on your decision, I have to make a decision too. I am also a body with more than ten members. If you can’t, say it now.”
“…… I’ll do it. Do not worry. Because I made up my mind.”
Fortunately, Louis didn’t worry too long. After all, isn’t it the count’s direct order to go to ask for help to resolve this situation? Perhaps the moment he left, the mission had already begun.
And just then, someone knocked on the door.
– It’s me, Louis. Don’t go in
ㅡㅡ!!
The momentheheard the voice, Louis clearly looked surprised.
Soon the door creaked open and someone came in.
A middle-aged woman with a light smile on her face. She hurried toward Luis, who was lying on her bed. …… In her form, she swallowed the city, and she showed no signs of madness.
“Louis… !”
“…… Mother…… !”
Lewis was clearly taken aback. She was sharpening a knife to see who would come here first, and suddenly her mother appeared.
Of course, this was nothing unusual in common sense. The long-lost son has returned, and it is natural for her parents to visit.
… That year….
A human who bought a cursed doll and tried to curse it.
She’s rather the only woman who gets eaten by the doll.
The culprit that spread madness in the city.
Of course, Allen, who had a status window, did not fall for common sense.
