Ti passed, and we arrived at Sarik Village, the village of the dwarves.
Here, too, one could find a multitude of races.
It wasnt just dwarves who lived here.
Nurous villagers ca out to gaze at us, and as before, Arwin and Ner attracted much attention.
The more that happened, the prouder I stood, laying the groundwork for my wives.
Arwin, as always, maintained a stoic expression and a dignified posture... but that was sothing to be observed for now.
One couldnt tell how many dwarves hostile to Arwin might appear.
No matter the diversity here, this was a village of dwarves, and it was no secret that it was hard for dwarves and elves to get along.
Fortunately, Ner seed more confident than usual.
Since the incident at the rcenary eting, she had gradually begun to believe in herself. I thought this was a positive change.
Perhaps the constant complints about her tail were helping.
There are so many races here, Arwin-nim.
What was even more surprising than Ners changing attitude...
Thats true, Ner. Its unexpected.
...was the relationship between my wives.
Contrary to my expectations of friction, they were very peaceful with each other.
Theres a forge over there.
Yes. Bigger than I thought.
Arwin told that Ner had no intention of loving and that I should not sacrifice myself for her, but now she even engages in light conversation with Ner.
Ner, who also said that Arwin wished for my death and couldnt understand why I was getting close to her, was now talking to Arwin without making much effort.
...
While I thought it was good, I tilted my head in confusion.
Was I overreacting?
I had thought their relationship was strained.
It seed too natural to be a facade.
It was hard to tell.
Was this kind of thing natural among won?
...
I set aside my thoughts and urged the horse forward.
If other issues arise later, it wont be too late to address them then.
Soon after, we ca face to face with an elderly dwarf who had co out to et us.
A long beard reaching down to his waist. A wrinkled forehead.
A thick torso and forearms that seed unusually strong for his age.
I dismounted my horse and approached him.
I am Berg, the vice-captain of the Red Flas.
The dwarf elder nodded in response.
Im Borin. Weve been waiting for you. Its an honor to have the famous Red Flas visit us.
Our conversation continued briefly.
We already knew what each others requests were.
There was no need to delve deeper into that for now.
Rather, the issue was arranging rooms for our mbers to rest.
I would like you to prepare space for 27 people to rest. As for the rooms...
Thinking of Arwin, Ner, and myself, two rooms.
For the rest of the mbers, assuming two per room, thats 12 rooms.
14 rooms would be
Berg.
Arwin suddenly appeared behind and grabbed my arm.
When I looked at her, she was gazing at Gale, who was following from a distance.
...
Honestly, I didnt want to concern myself with Gale.
Let him do it on his own.
Even though I said that, Arwin shook her head, pleading not to.
...
I only knew that Gale was related to Sien, not the extent of his influence.
But Arwins reaction made it clear he wasnt a trivial figure.
After all, he was also the teacher of the hero party.
I sighed.
...Please prepare 15 rooms.
I then made my request to village chief Borin.
Borin nodded in agreent.
.
.
.
.
I continued my conversation with Borin, delving into the details of our quest.
We learned that nurous monsters had sward the mine located on the outskirts of the village, hindering the dwarves mining activities, their livelihood.
The objective of our mission was to subdue most of these monsters infesting the mine, and as compensation, we were to receive weapons made by the dwarves.
I casually gathered information on what types of monsters were seen, where they were spotted, and their numbers.
Since crafting the weapons we were to receive as paynt would take ti, we decided to place orders for the weapons we needed first.
We agreed to trust each other.
We proceeded with the contract, anticipating everything would go smoothly.
Each mber of my group expressed their preference for a weapon.
Baran wanted a spear, and Shawn requested a sword.
Jackson asked for a long war hamr.
Shawn teased him.
Use sothing youre accustod to, not just for show with a war hamr.
But Jackson was firm in his choice.
Ive always wanted one. I never used it because the quality wasnt good enough.
I smiled at their banter.
Soon, it was my turn.
The dwarf taking our weapon orders sat across the desk, jotting down our requests.
He appeared to be a literate dwarf.
He asked , Youre the vice-captain, right? What kind of weapon would you like?
I drew my sword and showed it to the questioning dwarf.
This length, but make it more durable.
The dwarf, fiddling with so papers, tapped my sword and asked, Hmm. Should I maintain the sa balance as well?
I nodded. A familiar sword felt best.
Just then, Gale appeared behind .
Berg. How about trying a shorter sword?
I sighed at Gales sudden intervention.
...
Gazing intently at , Gale insisted on his opinion.
Maybe a bit shorter would be better. The one youre wielding now is too long. Just reconsider it.
Even the dwarf taking the order chid in.
...Actually, I also think that might be better. Its a slight difference, but your current sword seems too long.
With the dwarf also suggesting this, I found myself at a loss for words.
The dwarf then got up from the desk and brought four tal rods of varying lengths.
Seeing such items readily available was typical of a dwarf village.
Vice-captain, try holding each one. Tell which feels most comfortable to you.
I remained silent for a mont and then started to lift each tal rod in turn.
The first rod was too light.
The second felt oddly balanced.
The third brought a familiar sensation.
Thats probably how your usual sword feels, said the dwarf, and I picked up the last rod.
...
This rod felt comfortable in my hand. It was slightly shorter than the sword I usually wielded.
Yet, the way it fits in my hand wasnt unpleasant.
It gave off a sense that I could get used to it quickly.
Gale spoke from beside .
Yeah. That seems right. Its for your own good.
...
Maybe Gale was right.
Perhaps I should choose a different weapon, as he suggested.
But I shook my head.
It wasnt stubbornness.
...Even if it was uncomfortable, the familiar felt better.
No. Make it like my usual sword. Similar in length and balance.
...
Finally, the dwarf nodded.
And so, our weapon request was concluded.
I looked at Gale, then moved past him, continuing on.
.
.
.
As I was finishing a rough discussion of the mission with my team mbers, Gale approached from behind.
Watching the dispersing mbers, he spoke to .
...Berg.
...
I turned to look at him, who had once again co close to .
He spoke.
...I know I can be insensitive.
...
It wasnt my intention to provoke you or hurt your feelings. I just ca to help.
I turned to face him, making sure my wives werent nearby, and then whispered to him.
...You suddenly appear, rake up old wounds... and you say you had no ill intentions?
...I apologize. I was wrong.
His sincere apology sowhat softened my stance.
Then he continued.
I hope you understand this much. I didnt co to impose obligations on you or to be a burden.
...
I ca to help you prepare for challenges that might lie ahead. Its unfair to die without even having the chance to use your strength. And... its not just about you.
If it concerns the rest of the world, I wouldnt-
It includes your loved ones too.
...What do you an?
...To protect those precious to you, you must be prepared. And wait before you get angry, Berg. Im serious. I wish for you... to protect whats precious to you.
I sighed.
It felt like we had never been on the sa page from the start.
...We just dont match.
...
You believe in trials coming my way, but... I dont believe in such fatalism. I dont believe in gods either. How can you claim to know my future?
Even with the appearance of warriors, you dont believe in gods...?
I spoke earnestly.
I dont believe.
At that, Gale whispered.
...You do know that Lynn looks after those who dont believe in gods, right?
...
As I frowned, Gale sighed, trying to lighten the mood.
...This conversation is going in a strange direction. I wasnt trying to force the belief in gods on you.
...
As I said, I just wanted to give you strength. Im not good with words. I always end up having to clarify things.
I sighed at Gales cautious approach.
I wasnt as angry as before.
Perhaps my anger towards him was because he touched on a sensitive topic.
I didnt want to prolong our conversation any further.
I turned away and left him behind.
...Berg.
And again, as I walked away, Gale spoke, holding back.
I may not be eloquent, but... I can quickly grasp peoples thoughts. Like those from the slums, I grew up reading the room, surviving on scraps. Youd know if youre from the slums, right?
...
Those from the slums recognize their own. I turned back to look at him.
He continued.
So even without you asking... I know what youre curious about.
...
Gale spoke again.
...The Saintess, she missed you, Berg.
My fist clenched. My brow furrowed.
Gale went on.
...When she cried... it was because of you. She cried a lot. She always longed for you... always gathered strength for you. That pitiful image is still vivid. How sorry she was...
There were countless things I wanted to say, but those were aningless questions to ask Gale.
Why did she leave ? Why did she inflict so much pain? Why did she make such a sorry choice?
Gale couldnt answer those questions.
So instead, I asked what I could.
...Why are you telling this now?
...
Whats the point in bringing up a finished relationship? Whats your reason for making excuses for soone-
Gale interrupted.
-Its not that.
He looked at with a pained expression.
He then whispered softly.
...This isnt for the Saintess sake.
...
Its for you. So that... you can forgive yourself. It seems your deepest wound hasnt yet healed.
I opened my mouth, but no words ca out.
I couldnt respond.
...You must have blad yourself a lot, havent you?
As the tension in my shoulders gradually eased, Gale finished speaking, ca over, and lightly patted my shoulder.
Then, for the first ti, he was the one to walk away from .
****
Felix, mounted on his horse, looked over the formation.
He didnt need to say anything to know what the group of heroes was thinking.
The soldiers morale was low.
The humans, usually known for their passion, seed more subdued than ever.
Moreover, their numbers were not substantial.
Of course, dispersing the soldiers was a strategic decision, but the start felt shaky.
Felix sighed and said.
...We need to muster courage.
The saintess looked at him.
Clearly, she was also objectively aware of the current situation.
The war was unstable, and it was uncertain if they could seize the upper hand.
But it was also clear there was no turning back.
They couldnt afford to waste any more ti here.
News of defeats from various parts of the nation was coming in.
Acran spoke to Felix.
...Still, if everyone acts as planned, things should work out fine.
Felix closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
...I really hope they do.
For the plan to succeed, everyone needed to follow it precisely.
The sons of the Jackson family must lead their soldiers and appear at the right mont.
-Thud...!
Just then, a figure erged from the forest, cutting through the trees in the distance.
Felix took a deep breath.
Then, casting aside his previous anxiety and distrust, he spoke decisively.
Lets go.
Acran and Sylphrien nodded in agreent.
At the sa ti, the saintess began to recite a prayer.
A bright light spread out from around her.
The soldiers gazed at the light in awe.
Felix whispered.
...Mand, god of courage. Lend us strength.
Then he drew his holy sword.
Light also burst forth from the sword.
Felix shouted.
Forward!
And then, like a true hero, he was the first to charge into battle.
The End of The Chapter
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