Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

35

The Academy’s cadet joint training was scheduled for early next week. Before that, I decided to meet the ruler of the Kurabel Kingdom, who Eo had found.

She was currently living as a slave in Crossing’s national institution, so I had to go see her in person.

I headed to Newman in the northeast of Crossing with Eonia, Anton, and Lutger’s ladies.

Inside the carriage heading to Newman, there was a slight commotion.

“Um, uuuh! uuuh…!”

Lutger moaning as if he was desperate for a bathroom break.

“Shall we pause the carriage for a moment? You seem quite urgent.”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just some concerns on my mind.”

“What’s the matter?”

Normally, I would have just ignored and let it go, but the carriage felt dull, so I decided to ask.

Then, Rootger shot back as if he had been waiting to share.

“Listen. Seems like there’s a guy at the Academy trying to get close to Estelle. They call him ‘Illain’ or something like that.”

“Ah, I see. And?”

“Obviously, he must have impure intentions! If I ever lay eyes on that guy, I’d give him a piece of my mind!”

A moment of silence fell in the carriage. Anton, who was also present, let out a snicker. If Eo had been here as well, we would have been caught in an instant.

Speaking of Eo, he was being reprimanded by Yumir in another carriage for having an imbalanced diet in his meals.

Yumir was Eo’s superior, and with the authority on his side, Eo could do nothing but sulk and listen.

“Just calm down for a moment. He could just be a friend, couldn’t he? It’s too early to label him with impure intentions, isn’t it?”

“No, I’m certain. He did something to my daughter. He said she’d become beautiful when she falls ill, so he’s getting close to her in advance!”

“hahahaha…”

“From what my daughter told me, he seems like a sly parasite, trying to seduce my daughter!”

Rootger was getting edgy, as if he could explode at any moment. His foolish affection for his daughter was on full display.

“Aren’t you worrying unnecessarily? If he did approach with impure intentions, Estelle would surely keep her distance wisely.”

“I thought the same… until my daughter asked me. She begged me to protect Illain, she said.”

“Protect him…?”

“He seems to have witnessed some kind of duel-like event. He’s asking me to ensure the guy doesn’t get hurt. Clearly, Illain must have pleaded desperately to my daughter for help!”

“And what did you say?”

“No way! If a man can’t handle his own affairs, especially if it’s a matter of honor in a duel, even more so!”

“If Illain manages to win that duel on his own, would you view him more positively?”

“Well, um… I could retract calling him a parasite. But that’s about it!”

“Goodness. You were so determined when you sent your daughter to the Academy, and now you’re hesitating because she made one friend?”

“O-of course… I’m grateful for the friendship my daughter’s friend has shown her… but becoming lovers is a different story!”

Listening to Rootger’s fuss, the outskirts of Newman began to come into view.

By the time we unpacked at the inn, it was getting dark.

“Let’s set off in the morning. Everyone must be tired from the long journey, so rest well.”

Due to still wearing the hood and mask, I was quite exhausted and was about to head straight to my room when a voice stopped me.

“Excuse me!”

A strained voice. It was Estelle.

“What’s the matter?”

“Uh…!”

She trembled.

“It’s like night and day compared to facing Alse.”

She, or more precisely, feared Wade.

She was cautious, knowing he was trying to use her father.

Moreover, her voice, distorted when with Wade, had a chilling eeriness to it, causing her to shrink at the sound of my voice.

“T-That. There’s one thing… I’d like to ask…”

“So, what’s the matter?” she asked.

Estelle bit her lip and mustered up the courage to speak.

“There’s a joint military training at the Academy next week… I hope you could help me there.”

“Hmm!”

“Please…!”

Was she asking me because Rutger refused to help her? I understood her sentiment, knowing she probably had no one else to turn to, but she had picked the wrong person to ask.

“What do you think, milord?”

Anton smiled warmly. Yumir let out a small sigh.

Eoman, who was clueless about the conversation, just tilted her head, saying, “Huh?”

“You handle it on your own.”

“Ah, yes. I will do that.”

As I turned away, there was a sudden slump! Estelle seemed to relax. Anton supported her and said,

“Don’t worry, Estelle. I will protect the person you mentioned, even if it costs me my life.”

“My life…?”

Estelle was at a loss for words at Anton’s strong statement.

***

The Kuralbel Empire was a nation shrouded in mystery.

With a history spanning over 600 years, much longer than the Pencilon Empire, detailed historical knowledge was scarce due to the nation’s closed-off governance.

All I knew was that it was under the protection of elves. The reason such a small country as Kuralbel had a history of 600 years was because of this.

When I asked Eo, even she, having been just a knight, seemed unaware of the nation’s history.

One thing I learned was about their governing structure. The social hierarchy in Kuralbel was similar to other kingdoms, but uniquely, the king was said to be a figurehead.

The ruling was actually carried out by the Regent, in this case, Viskeita Kren, who narrowed her eyes as she faced me.

“So, you are Wade. The renowned mercenary pledged to Eonia.”

Was she over 60 years old? Her wrinkled forehead furrowed even more.

“Welcoming guests with a mask, what kind of madness is this?”

“hahahaha, is that a blunt remark?”

“Even your voice… It’s altered.”

“You noticed.”

“What on earth compels you to act like a rogue in disguise?”

She turned to Eo.

“Eo, is this the so-called master you’ve chosen? It’s disappointing to think you’d serve a lord who’s been pampered since childhood.”

“Regent! Please, enough!”

“Hmph…”

With a clink, Viskeita tapped her teacup.

“I know I’m being impolite, but I ask for your understanding. I only reveal myself to those I trust completely.”

“And am I not trustworthy?”

“I err on the side of caution.”

“Well, fine. What is it that you wish to ask of me?”

“Before that, shall we talk about something else?”

Since it seemed unlikely that she would hear good news if she were to ask for treatment for Estelle out of the blue, she decided to listen to some casual stories first.

The stories mostly revolved around the Kuralbell Empire.

As it became a story about Eonia, Bisuketa unknowingly smiled.

“She was quite a handful. That hasn’t changed even now.”

The way she looked at Eo really resembled her mother’s gaze.

“The Valkyries received special treatment even within the empire. Although she was called the Captain of the Royal Guards, it was nothing more than an honorary title. Eo grew up in the palace like a princess from a young age. Rather than serving the Emperor, it felt more like being raised by a father.”

“I see. So, about what you said earlier…”

“Yes, when Eo was young, she always went out shouting that she would welcome a new lord and make a name for herself on the continent. The Emperor actually encouraged her to do so. He must have known as well. The path for this child to truly find happiness was not to be confined within the palace but to go outside and live freely.”

“So? What do you think of the Eo you see now?”

…”

She fell silent for a moment before speaking.

“She seems to be doing well. At the very least, I believe you haven’t neglected this child.”

As stories from her childhood came up, Eo seemed somewhat at a loss.

As the atmosphere became more relaxed, I brought up a somewhat awkward topic.

“…Is life as a slave in Crossing tolerable?”

“It is.”

Surprisingly, Bisuketa seemed unfazed.

“I knew that the system of slavery in Crossing was well-organized, but I didn’t know it was to this extent. Even someone like me can make time to meet you secretly. Well, being a slave certainly comes with restrictions, but…”

“If you wish, I can free you from the slave status. At least, Eo wishes for that.”

“I’ll decline.”

“Why is that? It’s not that you enjoy being a slave, is it?”

“Of course not. But I am not alone. There are 700,000 Kuralbell citizens who trust and rely on me. Can you free all 700,000 of them?”

“700,000…!”

“I promised them. That once they endure these tough times and break free from slavery, they can return to their homeland. The King of Parain promised me that. He agreed to entrust me with the governance of that region as well.”

“Don’t you feel deceived? From Crossing’s perspective, such promises can easily be turned over like the back of a hand.”

“That might be true. But I had no choice but to rely on such words. Falling into slavery is like that.”

If I had a fief, I could have immediately negotiated with the King of Parain to bring everyone back, but I didn’t have that.

“If I had a fief, I could have grown stronger even faster.”

Bisuketa set down her teacup and spoke.

“So, you don’t need to worry about me. Eo, you don’t have to make that expression. Just come to see me occasionally and show me your face, that’s all I need.”

“Growth…”

“Rather than that, shall we get to the point? If you’re trying to appease me, it’s enough now.”

It seemed like she knew I was deliberately changing the subject. She was indeed formidable.

“hahahaha, you saw through it all. Let’s get to the point then. I would like you to see a patient.”

“A patient? I’m not a doctor.”

“I know. But it’s an illness that only you can know about.”

“An illness that only I can know…? No way.”

“Rutger! Come in.”

Upon hearing this, Rutger, who was waiting outside, entered the room with Estelle.

“….”

Biscetta narrowed his eyes as he looked at Estelle. Then he spoke to me.

“What is this?”

An expression as if witnessing something extraordinary. I wondered if he didn’t know about the disease, but it seemed not to be the case.

“How did you know that I know about this disease?”

“Pardon?”

“This is a special illness that even some in the Kingdom of Kurabel are unaware of. How could you know… You even prescribed a remedy. What is it exactly?”

“I… happened to come across it while reading a book.”

“That’s unlikely. The royal library was burned by the King before the capital fell. There were no books taken out! Could it be a book written by elves…? That’s unlikely…”

“Just because I accidentally found out, doesn’t mean it was an accident.”

“…Your identity is becoming more intriguing.”

Thinking that it was pointless to inquire further, Biscetta spoke about the disease.

“This is known as the disease of nature’s punishment.”

“Nature’s punishment?”

“Humans who explore nature are often despised by the elves. Half-elves, who are hybrids with humans, are said to receive nature’s punishment. Well, despite that, there are cases where it doesn’t occur under the same conditions, and it’s not a significant threat once a certain age passes without onset. But once it does occur, it becomes quite terrifying. The symptoms are severe.”

Rutger nodded vigorously in agreement.

From what I gather, you don’t seem to be a half-elf. At best, a quarter… No, it seems even fainter in elven blood. Yet, the disease has manifested in you. One can only think it was bad luck.”

“What is the cause of the onset?”

“Touching a certain fruit. It’s the cami fruit, which elves use as a staple. It’s the fruit that grows on cami trees in the northeast of the continent.”

“Rutger, do you have straw?”

However, Rutger shook his head.

“It’s been so long ago… I can’t believe this happened because of a fruit… More importantly, can it be cured?”

“Depending on the progression of the disease, the duration may vary, but it can be treated. Since the treatment through ointment is done, we should start treatment through decoctions immediately. The duration… Let’s say, generously, it might take around 10 months.”

“Oh, Heavens…! Thank you! Thank you so much…!”

Rutger embraced Estelle and wept. Estelle, upon hearing her name, had a peculiar expression of relief mixed with fear towards me.

“Then please tell me the recipe for the decoction.”

“Yes, I will have Eo inform you.”

“Why Eo…?”

“Because Eo might need it in the future. Isn’t that right, Eo?”

Biscetta looked meaningfully at Eo and me in turn.

“Didn’t they say it doesn’t manifest after a certain period? Eo wouldn’t need it.”

Unlike me, who feigned ignorance of English, Eo blushed and squirmed uncomfortably.

“Stop teasing! Please!”

“hehehe, even the late King would surely be pleased.”

“Ugh…!”

Anyway, the matter regarding Estelle’s treatment was resolved.

One of the Seven Sages.

The recruitment of Rutger Rosenberg, the Iron Fortress, was now finalized.