WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Chen

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◈ The Genius Knight of a Fallen Race ◈

Chapter 59: Perhaps Fifty to a Hundred

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Pales lay in the northernmost part of Pendia, bordering the Kingdom of Ajun.

Even so, it was not as cold as one might expect, only pleasantly cool. Geothermal heat from the dormant volcanoes to the northwest warmed the ground.

That was not the only thing special about the land.

To the north and east, steep, rugged mountain ranges stood like fortress walls.

Crossing them by land was nearly impossible, and turbulent winds blew overhead, making it difficult even for winged monsters to fly through.

On top of that, the Tessell River flowed diagonally from the volcanic region in the northwest to the southeast. It was so wide and swift that crossing without a boat was unthinkable.

Though it lay inland, Pales was practically an island.

In this safe land, people sowed seeds freely across fertile black soil and raised cattle and sheep in the fields, producing vast quantities of meat and dairy products.

That was why the people of Pendia called Pales the land loved by the Goddess, a paradise on earth.

* * *

A fortress stood on the riverbank where Shan and his group arrived.

Its walls formed a horseshoe open toward the river. A dock had been built within it, suggesting that the fortress had been constructed to guard this strategic crossing.

“Open the gates!”

Not long after Aran shouted, the fortress gates opened. An elderly knight, clearly past fifty and nearing sixty, came out to greet them.

“We have returned, Uncle.”

“You’ve worked hard, Aran. Then this is...?”

“Yes. This is Princess Serin.”

Judging by how they addressed each other, he appeared to be Aran’s relative.

The old knight narrowed his wrinkled eyes as he looked at Serin, then suddenly began to cry.

“You truly are the spitting image of Lady Aste...”

“I didn’t think we looked that alike in the portraits. Are you Sir Noman? I’ve heard much about you.”

“I can only hope it was not all embarrassing. Still, there seem to be far more people than I was told. And they are even...”

The fact that he swallowed the rest of the sentence, that they were all Altos, was enough to praise the old knight’s restraint.

Serin nodded confidently and indicated the people behind her.

“Conrad carried out a large-scale expulsion of the Altos from the capital, so I brought them with me. I’ll discuss the details with my uncle.”

“I’ll prepare more boats.”

While Noman gave orders to those accompanying him, Shan glanced around before speaking.

“It seems this is your first time in Pales too, Princess.”

“I was born and raised in the capital. It wasn’t easy to visit somewhere that takes several days to reach by carriage. Still, we exchanged letters fairly often.”

Because she had spoken so confidently about the place, Shan had assumed she had visited at least a few times.

A little later, several more boats crossed over from the opposite bank, and everyone boarded to cross the river.

“It rocks more than I expected...”

Shan did not find it much of an obstacle, but an ordinary person could easily lose their footing and fall.

If he ever had to fight someone, a boat might not be such a bad place to do it.

Unless they were accustomed to boats, like the old knight standing firmly beside him...

“This is hardly rocking at all. When the winds are truly strong, simply standing still is enough to make you want to vomit.”

Perhaps sensing Shan’s gaze, Sir Noman, the elderly knight who had welcomed Serin earlier, spoke first.

It was striking that he maintained a polite manner and tone even toward someone young enough to be his grandson.

“Is this your first time on a boat?”

“Yes.”

“You’re well balanced for someone new to it. Your reputation wasn’t exaggerated after all. Forgive my late introduction. I am Noman of House Rused. My family has guarded the Tessell River and protected Pales for generations.”

“I am Shan of House Barendil.”

“I know a little about you. The first Alto knight of Pendia, knighted by the princess. Winner of the royal jousting tournament in the capital, and slayer of a cockatrice and an ogre, is that right?”

Shan nodded, a little surprised that a knight from the countryside was so well informed.

“Aran told me that, thanks to you, the princess was able to leave the capital safely. You have my heartfelt gratitude. You saved Pales’s most precious jewel.”

“I only did what I had to do.”

Pales’s jewel.

Considering that Serin’s half-sister, Princess Kasia, was called the jewel of Pendia while Serin had been called a witch, it felt rather strange.

At Shan’s polite reply, Noman watched him for a moment before asking, “Do you still intend to pledge your lance to the princess?”

“Yes.”

“If a renowned knight such as yourself guards her side, the princess will be safer. That is fortunate.”

Noman smiled in satisfaction at Shan’s unhesitating answer.

Serin had said she had never once visited Pales in her life, yet it was strange how she acted as if she had been born and raised here.

After that, Noman continued talking endlessly to Shan.

He spoke of the tall rocks rising throughout the Tessell River, the strange whirlpools around them, and how boats could cross only at a few key points.

Ten small boats, each carrying around thirty people, took several minutes to cross the river, which stretched hundreds of meters wide.

When they arrived at the dock on the other side, many people came to welcome them, or more precisely, Serin.

“Welcome home, Princess!”

“It truly feels as though Lady Aste has returned alive...”

“Oh Goddess, protect our princess.”

The enthusiastic welcome grew louder still when Serin smiled and waved.

Once the boat reached the dock, a man standing at the front held out his hand. Like Serin, he had dark blue-black hair combed back.

“It has been a long time, Princess. Has it been two years since we last met in person?”

“I’m glad you still look healthy, Uncle.”

Serin took his hand as she answered and stepped off the boat.

Count Paless was a slender man in his thirties with gentle eyes and the typical appearance of a scholar.

He looked like Serin’s mother from the portrait, if she had been made into a man.

Despite Serin’s words, however, he did not look particularly healthy.

“Still, there are more guests than I was told to expect.”

“Yes. It just happened that way... We’re tired from the long journey. Could we discuss the details after resting?”

“I have prepared carriages to take us to the castle. We can speak on the way. I’ll make sure the other guests can follow without inconvenience. Sir Noman?”

“At your command, my lord.”

At the count’s call, the old knight dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

It was the salute knights offered only to their god and lord.

As Serin started walking toward the carriage, she suddenly turned her head.

“Ah, may I bring just one person along? There’s someone I’d like to introduce to you, Uncle.”

“It’s a carriage for four, so that will be fine.”

“Ride with us, Sir Shan.”

At the unexpected suggestion, Shan hesitated and looked around.

There was wariness in the eyes of the people of Pales as they watched the Altos and the members of the Weavers household.

It was not quite contempt or disgust. It was more like they were looking at something unfamiliar, something they had never seen before.

‘Will it really be all right to leave these people behind?’

Perhaps reading his concern, Roden quietly stepped forward.

“I’ll keep them in line so that no problems arise.”

“I’ll leave them to you.”

With others watching, the two exchanged orders in stiff, formal tones.

* * *

There were four people in the carriage: Shan, Serin, Count Paless, and the count’s guard knight.

Though it was pulled by four horses and moved at a considerable speed, the carriage barely shook, as if it had been enchanted.

Inside, Serin briefly explained what had happened in the capital.

The struggle between Conrad and Elvin, and the state of the kingdom, which had effectively split apart and lost its center because of it.

A deep shadow crossed the count’s face as he listened.

“Hmm. So it came to that after all...”

“Yes. Realistically, it’s difficult to expect Father to recover, so I think we have no choice but to move that plan forward. Fortunately, the groundwork has already been completed. A few years should be enough to put it fully into effect.”

Shan guessed they were talking about the so-called Magic Revolution.

They were probably speaking indirectly because of the count’s guard knight and Shan.

“You were confident before, but you remain so even now. Will we truly be able to endure until then?”

“With Sir Shan here, we can. Many of the Altos I brought this time know how to fight as well. If we train them into a mercenary force and arm them heavily, they’ll become quite a powerful force.”

“Ah, so that was why you brought them.”

Having received a clear answer as to why she had suddenly brought refugees, the count nodded in understanding.

If one could support them, population was strength. With a harsh era ahead, more than a hundred able-bodied men who knew how to fight were certainly valuable.

“Yes. I’d like to make them into a mercenary group for you to employ, Uncle. Their wages only need to be enough for their families to become self-sufficient.”

“It isn’t an enormous number, and a hundred or so won’t be difficult. Even if we help them adjust, though, there will be limits. The people of this land are not accustomed to foreigners.”

“The Altos were always outsiders in Pendia anyway. As long as they aren’t openly discriminated against or driven out, it’ll be fine.”

“I can prevent that much within my authority. You need not worry.”

After nodding, the count turned his gaze to Shan.

Unlike his earlier words, Shan could not sense any aversion toward Altos in his eyes.

If anything, they seemed to hold interest and goodwill, which left him slightly confused.

“I am Cladek Barbelka, Count Paless.”

“I am Shan of House Barendil.”

It was the first time a noble had introduced himself by his personal name rather than his rank.

Considering that this formality was normally reserved for someone of equal standing, it was an almost excessive courtesy.

“Yes, Shan Barendil. Of course I know you. You’re the knight my son most wants to meet.”

“...It’s an honor.”

“The boy has become completely absorbed in tales of your exploits lately. A boy only three or four years older than him goes around defeating monsters like cockatrices and ogres, so how could he not be? Thanks to you, he’s even stopped running away from knight training and attends it diligently.”

The count casually added that they should share a meal when they had the chance.

Shan quietly said he understood.

“More importantly, I heard the princess went to great lengths to win you over. Does this mean it worked out?”

“That’s right. It truly wasn’t easy.”

Serin answered in Shan’s place.

Cladek looked mildly surprised as he saw the satisfied expression on her face.

“Surprising. I honestly thought it might be difficult. In any case, welcome aboard.”

Shan took Cladek’s offered hand and shook it.

Despite his frail appearance, the count’s grip was quite strong.

“Is there anything you’re curious about? If it’s something I can answer, I will.”

“You said earlier that the people of Pales are wary of foreigners. To be honest, though, they seem quite friendly to me. Is there a reason for that?”

The soldiers Aran had brought, as well as the people at the dock, had not shown obvious contempt or disgust when they saw the hundreds of Altos.

Sir Noman and Count Paless had even seemed rather friendly.

“Is that how it felt?”

“Yes.”

“If so, perhaps it’s because the people of Pales do not see Altos as different from Pendians.”

Cladek gave a faint, slightly awkward smile.

“To be honest, the people of Pales do not really think of themselves as Pendians either. Many of them simply believe rough people who even eat monsters live across the river. Those who frequently cross the river with food caravans and interact with outsiders are somewhat different, of course.”

In other words, to most people in Pales, the Alto refugees were simply outsiders, no different from Pendians.

In a way, perhaps that could be called equality...

“It has been so long since Altos last entered this land that there isn’t even a record of it. We have no preconceived ideas about how you will behave. I hope only good feelings remain between us from now on.”

As they talked, the carriage left the harbor and entered the city by way of a well-paved road.

Shan looked out the window and let out a small sound.

“Ah...”

“What is it?”

“I just find it strange that the city has walls.”

Pales was a land where not only monsters, but even large wild animals capable of threatening humans, had all but vanished.

Because it was such an isolated region, it was not a place where bands of thieves could flourish either.

So what could the walls possibly be meant to keep out?

Serin answered.

“Foreign enemies who invade in pursuit of this fertile land, of course. Less than twenty years ago, Pales nearly went to war with the Pendian royal family over a diplomatic dispute. It was settled only after the then Count Paless’s daughter was given to the king.”

There was no need to think deeply to know she meant Serin’s mother.

Perhaps he did not like the subject, but Cladek turned his gaze away with a gloomy expression.

She had been his only sister, after all.

Silence fell in the carriage, and Shan looked back out the window.

The buildings looked sturdy, proving the city’s prosperity, while the stalls overflowed with goods.

The people walking by wore clean, if not flashy, clothing. They looked healthy and strong, perhaps because they ate well.

When the carriage bearing the count’s crest passed by, everyone bent deeply at the waist in respect.

At least from this sight, Count Paless did not seem like a bad lord.

* * *

“You have returned, Your Excellency.”

The castle of Count Paless, located in the center of the city, was incomparably larger and more magnificent than Count Sedil’s castle Shan had seen before.

At the same time, it seemed to have several weak points in terms of defense.

It felt as though it had pursued splendor over practicality.

Led by a man who appeared to be the head steward, Shan took off his armor, bathed, and changed into fine clothes.

He rested briefly in the room assigned to him, and before long, a servant came to say that the meal was ready.

Following the servant, Shan found an enormous banquet hall large enough to hold dozens of people.

After he took his seat, Count Paless, Serin, an unfamiliar woman, and a boy entered together.

The count personally introduced them to the only two newcomers at the table, Serin and Shan.

“This is my wife, Sina, and my son, Bluea. Bluea, this is Sir Shan, whom you’ve wanted to meet so badly.”

Countess Sina looked a few years younger than her husband, Cladek, and had a quiet, gentle appearance.

She did not seem especially interested in Shan, only giving him a polite nod. For some reason, though, her gaze remained on Serin.

Bluea, the count’s only son, was a boy of around ten.

Holding tightly to his mother’s hand, he hid behind her skirts and peeked at Shan.

Seeing how shy he was, Cladek laughed.

“It seems the boy is embarrassed. Forgive him.”

“It’s all right.”

When Shan accepted the count’s apology with formal politeness, Bluea’s eyes sparkled.

A boy only a few years older than himself conversing with his father like an adult must have looked impressive to him.

The banquet that began shortly afterward was lavish, befitting the most prosperous territory.

Fine meat, cheese, and fresh fish caught from the Tessell River had been cooked with all kinds of spices bought with grain, each dish showing off its own flavor.

Naturally, Serin was the focus of the banquet.

The count’s retainers did not dare speak to her directly, but they whispered among themselves.

“Huh, they said she resembled Lady Aste...”

“Honestly, aside from the hair, I don’t see the resemblance. Lady Aste didn’t look so sharp and vicious.”

“Quiet. How dare you judge noble blood?”

While that went on, Shan spoke with Serin and the count’s family, or more specifically, Bluea.

At first, the boy had been too awkward and shy to let go of his mother’s skirt. Once he began talking, though, he grew excited and started chattering away.

“S-so, you brought the magic sword you used to kill the ogre too?”

“Yes. It’s currently with Count Paless’s servants. I couldn’t dare bring a sword into the banquet hall.”

“I want to see Guardian of the East...”

“If you have time, I’ll show it to you after the meal.”

“Wow!”

Bluea’s excitement reminded Shan of Sir Lugh.

The difference was that Lugh admired Shan’s overwhelming skill, while this boy admired his reputation.

As they continued talking about Shan’s past achievements, Bluea suddenly asked an unexpected question.

“Um, have you killed people too?”

For a moment, everyone nearby looked startled, but Shan answered calmly.

A knight killing people was not particularly shameful.

“Yes.”

“...How many?”

“Hmm.”

Shan hesitated not because the question was difficult to answer.

Some of those fights had taken place around a year ago, and he had fought in so many places that it was hard to remember right away.

About ten people in Willow Vilalge, a few people from Leaf Vilage, more than ten mercenaries in a city whose name he could barely remember...

He had fought an Alto expedition party and killed members of the Holy War Order in the Demon Realm.

More recently, he had cut down night watchmen and gate guards as well.

“It’s difficult to count exactly, but I think it was more than fifty and fewer than a hundred.”

“Wow...”

At the thought that a boy not much older than himself had already cut down countless people, Bluea let out a sound mixed with fear and admiration.

Then someone snorted from the far end of the long table.

“Hm?”

“Ah, forgive me. I couldn’t help finding it amusing that you spoke as if boasting about having killed a hundred people or so...”

A man looked at Shan with a mocking expression, sneering as he spoke.

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