WeTried Translations

Translator: Coughing Baby

Editor: Coughing Baby

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

Chapter 109: Moon

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The day after the party ended.

Kyle had wanted to meet the Emperor one last time, but it hadn't been possible. Using nonexistent state affairs as an excuse, the Emperor never left the main palace, and only Julius met with him before they departed.

Kyle met Crown Prince Alero and Princess Ludmia instead. There were two other members of the imperial family as well, but neither came to see Kyle.

That had been Alero's intention. He had no intention of letting his two younger brothers grow close to Kyle.

"Brother Kyle. Ludmia told me you plan to visit the Imperial Palace often from now on?"

His two younger brothers could be competitors for the throne, but Ludmia was not. She was young and had no power base.

The late Empress had been the younger sister of Leonard Vandemion, the current captain of the Imperial Guard, but that did not mean Leonard supported Ludmia. The captain and the Imperial Guard protected only the Emperor.

Ludmia could never approach the throne. Nor did Ludmia herself covet it. All someone as frail as her could wish for was to live quietly.

What if Ludmia and Kyle became engaged? That was the most impossible thing of all. Kyle was too significant a figure to be paired with a sickly princess.

But if, somehow, Kyle and Ludmia did become engaged? Alero would lose nothing. Alastor would never give Kyle away, but the imperial family could give Ludmia away as they pleased. If they sent Ludmia to Gladiheim and bound their connection in blood, the Empire's power would only grow stronger in the future.

The Empire's throne belonged to Alero.

"I'd like to come often, but the knight order keeps me busy, so I don't know if I'll be able to."

"Haha! The thought alone is enough. You haven't forgotten that we said we'd exercise together yesterday, have you? Next time you come, let's go hunting together."

Alero smiled and started to place a hand on Kyle's shoulder, then paused. He remembered Kyle brushing away the hand he had placed there yesterday. Naturally changing course, he stroked his chin instead.

'At least he can learn.'

Kyle watched Alero as that thought passed through his mind. Alero Valhart, Crown Prince of the Empire. He was perceptive and intelligent. When Kyle rejected his attempt to present him as the Empire's sword, Alero suggested they be like brothers instead. He used Ludmia as a flower to adorn the occasion, yet gave her an appropriate role to play.

Even now, he was actively using the connection between Ludmia and Kyle while smoothly securing a next meeting with Kyle.

"Brother, if my health is good enough... may I come hunting with you too?"

Ludmia asked hesitantly. Normally, it would have been out of the question, but Alero nodded with a bright smile.

"If you're healthy enough to go outside, I don't mind. Then you should take care of your health for that reason as well."

Alero smiled brightly. His expression made it impossible to tell whether he sincerely worried about his younger sister or was simply pleased that this might give Kyle and Ludmia another opportunity to grow closer.

'He's a fucking bastard, but he isn't the kind of man who'd tear the Empire apart just because he wants the throne.'

Kyle stared at Alero as he thought that. What Alero wanted was the Empire's prosperity, with himself standing at the height of that prosperity.

If the Empire split apart, the throne Alero ascended would become shabby. Alero was ambitious, not destructive. For now, Kyle found himself leaning toward that conclusion.

Not long after, Julius returned from the main palace. Kyle glanced at his calm expression, then bowed to Alero and Ludmia.

"Then I'll see you next time."

"Right. Let's meet again soon."

"Sir Kyle, g-get home safely."

Leaving Alero's hearty laughter and Ludmia's shy smile behind, Kyle boarded the sky carriage with Julius. Everything had already been prepared for their departure, and the carriage rose into the air immediately.

Kyle remained silent as he looked out the window. Julius did the same. Gerhard, who had not yet heard what had happened, wore a puzzled expression, but he assumed there was a reason and kept silent as well.

"I spoke with the Emperor."

As the sky carriage crossed the Imperial Palace walls and passed over the city, Julius finally spoke.

"I told him that I too was interested in regaining a younger body, as well as treating Lavian's condition."

"What?"

It was an abrupt statement from Gerhard's perspective. He jolted and looked at Julius. Despite having nine children and six grandchildren, Julius looked far younger than his age. His body, never allowed to stop training, was still in its prime.

And Julius wanted youth?

To Gerhard, it seemed entirely unnecessary.

"Not only restoring Mother's health... but seeking youth? What do you mean by that?"

"I suppose it's time I told you."

Julius told Gerhard about the conversation he had shared with Kyle and the Izelion father and daughter the previous night. Gerhard's mouth first fell open, then his face became deeply serious. It was only natural. The Empire might split apart over this.

"The Emperor seemed very pleased by what I said. I don't know whether his reaction was sincere, but he appeared to believe that my desire for youth meant I understood him."

"Did he tell you the method?"

"He said it was through the Moon Church's blessing and holy arts, and that he would personally convey my wishes to the Moon Church. They must discuss it within the church as well, so for now, all we can do is wait for their response."

"Even the Emperor cannot order the Moon Church to do this?"

"The Moon Church is an ancient religion that has shared the Empire's history. In an extreme situation, the Emperor's authority would come first, but as things stand now, the Emperor is the one having his youth preserved by the Moon Church. At least on the surface."

Julius murmured quietly as he looked out the window. Across from the Imperial Palace stood a pure white, circular building. That was the Holy Palace of the Moon Church.

"I thought long and hard last night. What would happen if we led all of Alastor's forces and attacked the Holy Palace and Imperial Palace at the same time?"

"Cough."

Gerhard coughed.

"It is true that our family's forces are comparable to a nation, but... it would be impossible to strike the Imperial Palace and Holy Palace simultaneously."

"What if a small elite force infiltrated them?"

"Th-the Imperial Palace and Holy Palace would have defensive measures prepared for the worst-case scenario. Perhaps five hundred years ago, but... it would be impossible in this age."

"Because my sword is lacking."

"Even the Sword Church Master couldn't do it..."

Gerhard answered, cold sweat running down his face.

"As you know, Family Head... rebellion requires a persuasive justification. The claim that the Emperor preserves his youth by draining it from his children is still only a suspicion without clear proof. Even if it were true, the Grandica Empire under the current Emperor is peaceful. The Empire's citizens have not voiced dissatisfaction with him."

Gerhard continued, stumbling slightly over his words.

"Turning a sword on the throne would bring enormous chaos..."

"It would. I only thought about it. I had no intention of carrying it out. First, we will return to the Sword Tower and wait for the Moon Church and Izelion to answer."

Gerhard's expression grew complicated. He led the Secret Shadow Corps, Gladiheim's intelligence unit. Gathering information was the corps' specialty, but the Emperor and the Moon Church? One wrong move, and they could be charged with treason.

"Do not move the Secret Shadow Corps."

As if he had read Gerhard's worries, Julius spoke.

"They are not opponents we can recklessly touch simply because we suspect them."

"From my perspective, the fact that you intend to join the Moon Church feels far too dangerous."

"If I am put in danger, that will become one justification."

"Are you saying you intend to become the bait yourself?"

"Not bait. More like the fishing rod."

Julius gave a faint smile.

"The fishing rod must enter the water before the fish will bite. Of course, if the fish is too large, the rod may break."

"This isn't the time for jokes."

"It isn't a joke."

Julius's voice turned firm.

"For nineteen years, I shut myself away in the Sword Tower and followed the family's work, but I never turned my eyes toward the Empire. Even though the Empire's continued existence was something the Founding Ancestor wished for as well."

"That was because... Mother..."

"I love Lavian, but it is true that I neglected my duty as Family Head because of her. So this time, I must do it myself. As the Founding Ancestor did, I must set right what is wrong."

Gerhard pressed his lips together with a heavy expression. Julius smiled gently at him and added,

"Truthfully, this isn't only for the Empire or the world. Perhaps the accident nineteen years ago that harmed Lavian and the Aurora Knights was involved in this too. I'm a husband, after all. I have to reclaim what was taken from my wife."

He had added it as if it were a joke, but it was also Julius's true feeling. In the end, Gerhard could only smile bitterly and nod.

"Then grant my request as well."

Kyle spoke up.

"My member Narua's tribe, the Tarba Tribe of the Avara Plateau, was destroyed three years ago. I've heard several tribes besides the Tarba were destroyed around that time. I want to find whoever did it."

"That will be easier than digging into the Emperor and the Moon Church."

Gerhard answered with a sigh.

* * *

Even after arriving at the Sword Tower, Kyle could not rest right away. He had to show off his Martial Star Medal to Erika, whose eyes sparkled with envy, spend time with Kaya, and tell the Fragment about what happened at the Imperial Palace.

"So even Izelion cannot cross the Wall of Severance?"

"They say not for now. But who knows? If I go to Izelion, there may be some clue."

The Fragment bit at their lip as if they were feeling conflicted.

"We must find a way before the Spirit Tree's roots rot completely and Izelion dies."

"Don't you have some brilliant solution? Something you've hidden away... like a nutrient that restores roots?"

"How could I possibly have such a thing?"

"Couldn't we ask for it on the Cultivation Floors? We can receive Out-of-Place Artifacts there too, can't we?"

Kyle's eyes brightened as if he had found the answer. On the Cultivation Floors of the Sword Tower, one could kill the byproducts and remnants there, then ask for what one desired. Even now, the Out-of-Place Artifact dimensional pouch Kyle carried held boots and a cloak that he had received from the Cultivation Floors and put to good use.

"If we could receive another Out-of-Place Artifact like my necklace, Grandfather could have one and make good use of it too."

"Brat, you are mistaken about something. What you receive on the Cultivation Floors are not Out-of-Place Artifacts."

"What? Then what are they?"

"They are artifacts made by the dwarves Dragon King Velatus used as slaves. The beings observing the Cultivation Floors copy the originals and send down those copies."

The Fragment let out a long sigh.

"That place has many restrictions. The Life Thread that makes death cease to have happened is already absurd enough, so you cannot receive powerful Out-of-Place Artifacts there. To begin with, the fact that you received such a powerful Out-of-Place Artifact in the Secret Realm was absurd."

That was true. If powerful Out-of-Place Artifacts could be obtained on the Cultivation Floors, Julius would not have failed to awaken Lavian for nineteen years.

"The reason you were able to awaken Lavian Alastor is because the apostle of the sky gods favors you."

Kyle had thought he could easily and clearly resolve a complicated matter, but that was not the case. Seeing his disappointment, the Fragment thought for a moment before speaking.

"I will consider it. I will see whether there is anything that may help restore the Spirit Tree's roots."

It was not Kyle but the Fragment who wished to cross the Wall of Severance. If restoring the Spirit Tree's roots was necessary for that, it was no longer a matter involving only Kyle and Izelion.

"Do you know anything about the Moon Church?"

"How should I put this..."

The Fragment hesitated for a moment. Any mention of gods or beings such as apostles was always a great burden to them.

"I... will speak from Dragon King Velatus's perspective. The classifications of divine beings. Sky gods and outer gods. Sky gods are gods that existed in this world from the beginning."

The Fragment spoke through cold sweat.

"They are called sky gods because they exist beneath the same sky. Earth and sea. Rivers and mountains, forests, volcanoes, lightning, rain... natural forces such as those, in the broad sense. Or things derived from them, ideas that mortals worship and fear. Things mortals can witness."

The Fragment swallowed hard.

"But outer gods exist beyond the sky. They are not beings tied to this world. That is why they wish to come into this world. Tell me, do you think the moon lies beneath the sky?"

"The moon... well, can't we see it when we look at the sky?"

"The moon is very far away."

The Fragment spoke, panting.

"It is in the night sky, but it is actually farther still. It is a being that stands at the boundary between sky gods and outer gods. A being infinitely dangerous if one considers it dangerous. Since ancient times, the moon has been a symbol of madness..."

"What about the sun and stars?"

"The sun and stars are the same, but the sun gives light and heat to the land. Since it has such a great influence on this world, it leans strongly toward the side of the sky gods. The moon, on the other hand..."

The Fragment steadied their breathing and continued.

"Is cold. It has light but no heat, and rather than influencing the world, it is closer to watching it. The tide responding to the moon is the world being shaken by the moon. That is why the moon stands at the boundary between sky gods and outer gods."

It was a puzzling explanation. Kyle tilted his head.

"So is the Moon Church's god a sky god or an outer god?"

"That depends on which moon the Moon Church worships."

"There is only one moon."

"In the end, the sun, moon, and stars are all nothing but chunks of stone floating far from this land, in a sky above the sky. But mortals view those distant stones from different perspectives and give them meaning."

The Fragment's face had gone pale. They had not spoken for long, but in that short time, deep shadows had formed beneath their eyes, and their eyes had turned bloodshot.

"If one sees the moon as a light that illuminates the world's night, that moon is closer to a sky god. But if one sees the moon as a window watching from beyond, or a symbol of madness, that moon is closer to an outer god."

Kyle rubbed his chin. The moon was a being standing on the boundary between sky gods and outer gods, but it was humans, not the moon's own will, that chose what it would be.

The latter certainly felt more unpleasant and ominous.

"If the Moon Church worships the moon as an outer god, is that dark magic?"

"You people truly like dividing things. Holy arts and dark magic both borrow the power of other beings in the end."

"Dark magic looks more evil than holy arts. I've heard justification is important if you want to overturn something."

"Even if it worships the moon as an outer god, you cannot define that power as dark magic without question. The moon is a being that stands at the boundary."

"That sure makes things confusing."

"That is the nature of boundaries."

The Fragment said it shortly, then steadied their breathing.

"At least... the Moon Church in Velatus's memories was closer to the nature of a sky god. It had been that way since it began alongside the Empire. It was that way even during the Dark Age five hundred years ago. As the Empire fell apart, the Moon Church made the Holy Palace in the capital its sanctuary and cared for the poor. They said that moonlight remained radiant even on a dark night."

Kyle remembered it that way too. Even then, the Moon Church had been the Empire's state religion. During the bloody struggle among the imperial family that caused the Empire's division, it had remained neutral and taken no one's side.

'Cause and effect...'

Muheok's words drifted through his thoughts.

Many things had changed in the world when Ruin Alastor underwent Ascension. Humans gained Spirit Roots, Secret Realms began to appear more frequently, and the Wall of Severance rose, making it impossible to cross into the east.

"It seems the Founding Ancestor's Ascension changed the world a great deal."

"Because the laws of the world... were shaken. Many things seeped in through those tremors."

As if it had become too difficult to speak further, the Fragment squeezed their eyes shut and let out a long sigh.

* * *

A week passed after they returned from the Imperial Palace party. During that time, Kyle reported on his conversation with the Fragment, trained his members, and immersed himself in his own cultivation. He swung his sword to his heart's content in his personal Cultivation Chamber, then moved between the mental worlds of Baal and Fenris to swing his sword again.

No reply had yet come from Izelion, who should have received word long ago. The Moon Church was the same. Julius had conveyed his intention to join through the Emperor, yet they seemed to be judging him with considerable care.

A different visitor arrived, neither Izelion nor the Moon Church.

"Wow, in all my life, I never thought I'd make it to Gladiheim!"

Lentz Adigan, director of the Armaments Bureau at Crow Company's Central Branch, entered the reception room of the Sword Wolf Knights' residence with a cheerful smile.

"I've heard plenty of rumors, but this is my first time coming here in person. Seeing the famous Discard Path with my own eyes really opened them wide."

"It's only full of old, rusty weapons."

"Haha! That is true, but polish them up and they'll shine like new. As you know, Sir Kyle, weapons and goods both need a story. Any weapon planted in Gladiheim's Discard Path would surely sell for a high price."

Still smiling easily, Lentz handed out business cards with both hands to the gathered members.

"Personally, I'd love to see the Sword Garden with my own eyes too... would that be possible?"

"No, it would not."

Kyle could come and go as he pleased because it was his home, but even Gladiheim's knights could not easily approach the Sword Garden.

"Since you put it so firmly, I suppose it can't be helped. Honestly, I am grateful just to have been invited here."

Lentz beamed as he set the briefcase he held in one hand on the table.

"Before we discuss business in earnest, may I have a sip of tea?"

"Yes, please make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you!"

Lentz took a sip of the tea that had already been prepared on the table.

"First, Sir Kyle. The contract we are about to discuss depends entirely on your decision. If you accept, we will proceed with the contract. If you refuse, it will be as though no contract was ever offered."

"Everyone, leave."

Kyle had spent ten years in his previous life as the leader of a mercenary band. Knowing what Lentz wanted, he ordered the members standing behind him out of the room. Once they were alone in the reception room, Lentz grinned.

"You seem very familiar with this. Have you accepted other outside commissions besides ours?"

"I became a knight order commander at a young age, so I simply studied ahead of time to avoid giving anyone something to criticize."

Kyle calmly took another sip of tea.

"Let's sign a nondisclosure agreement first."

The Central Branch of Crow Company, the continent's largest private military company, had personally requested this commission. Kyle did not yet know what it involved, but the fact that the director had come in person meant it was a weighty request.

"Thank you for understanding."

Lentz smiled as he took out the contract. As Kyle had expected, its contents were simple.

Do not disclose the details of the contract to be discussed from this point onward.

Footnotes:

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