WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Ceaseless

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ The Northern Grand Duke’s Mad Son-in-Law ◈

Chapter 20: Separate Rooms

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“Fuck.”

Carrot of the First Battalion cursed and yanked on the reins. His horse kicked off the ground, spraying snow in a long trail.

Adrianna was charging ahead at the front.

Adrianna was usually calm, yet she was moving with such urgency. The gravity of the situation was obvious.

The other First Battalion members said nothing as they gripped their reins. Only the steady sound of hoofbeats echoed through the silent, snow-covered mountains.

After riding for some time, Adrianna brought her horse to a smooth stop. To halt so cleanly at that speed, it truly was a fine horse.

‘Have we arrived?’

Carrot pulled the spear strapped to his horse’s side free. The other members silently drew their weapons as well. Tension filled the air.

Then...

“Damian, stop eating already.”

“It tastes bad.”

“Then why do you keep eating it?”

“Because I’m hungry.”

A quiet conversation drifted over from somewhere.

The First Battalion came to an abrupt stop at the peaceful exchange.

‘They waited for us!’

Carrot cheered inwardly. Right, it would have been better if they had escaped.

Still, the sight beyond Adrianna was not what she expected.

Several people sat around a fire, chatting quietly. Someone who looked like a soldier kept grilling meat while everyone else sat nearby.

The atmosphere was so peaceful that their weapons suddenly felt ridiculous. No one moved.

“Ah, you finally made it.”

The Special Operations Unit commander stood and waved. His neat clothes had not changed at all from before.

“Are you unharmed?”

“As you can see.”

“Where are the Demonkin?”

At Adrianna’s question, the Special Operations Unit commander pointed to one side. Adrianna drew her sword and headed for the cave.

“We caught them all... You never listen until the end.”

The commander spoke urgently, but Adrianna had already entered the cave.

Carrot followed Adrianna inside.

The cave was a mess. Flesh and blood clung to every surface, and the foul, rancid stench unique to Monsters filled the air.

‘So the Mole Monsters weren’t a lie.’

Carrot suddenly noticed strange traces on the corpses.

‘Fire? Magic...?’

The Mole Monsters could not have simply burned to death. These had to be traces of magic. He had thought mages were nothing but loud, boastful fools, but this was unexpected.

The cave was full of Mole Monster corpses. There were at least ten.

At the far end lay a massive corpse.

All that remained was scorched, shriveled flesh, but Carrot could tell it had belonged to at least a mid-ranking Demonkin.

‘It died from fire. A mage used magic against a Demonkin?’

Magic was the filth of the Demonkin. How could filth harm its owner?

“So a mage killed a Demonkin.”

At someone’s mutter, everyone nodded. They were not stupid enough to deny it with the evidence right in front of them.

“Does that even make sense?”

“The proof is right in front of us.”

“Look at all the sword marks. This must be Sir Gilbert’s sword.”

“The cuts are all shallow. The mage was clearly the direct cause.”

The cave quickly grew noisy. As expected, the subject was magic.

No one denied that a mage had finished off the Demonkin.

“The remaining members will collect the Mole Monster corpses.”

Everyone nodded at Adrianna’s order.

Carrot followed Adrianna out of the cave.

They were still seated around the fire, chatting away.

‘Impressive...’

Carrot approached Gilbert to investigate what had happened.

“Hey, Gilbert. You really put on quite a show. Sixteen Mole Monsters, two mages, and a mid-ranking Demonkin. Did you get stronger while I wasn’t looking?”

Gilbert gave a bitter smile.

“I didn’t kill them. The commander did.”

Carrot had already suspected it, but hearing it directly was different.

“The Special Operations Unit commander?”

“Yes. All I did was buy time.”

“But he’s a mage.”

“He’s an extremely capable mage.”

“Fuck... A real mage killed a Demonkin?”

“Yes.”

Carrot recalled something he had heard in passing.

It was a rumor he had naturally assumed was a lie. Yet seeing the situation now, he had to ask.

“Then is it true that the Special Operations Unit commander beat Hermun?”

“Yes. He beat him in one hit.”

“Fuck, really?”

Gilbert nodded, and Carrot’s mind grew muddled.

“Well, that bastard is a pervert who walks around without a coat just to show off.”

Not every mage could be weak, he supposed. Carrot nodded.

“He must be strong.”

“Yes, he is.”

Carrot frowned at Gilbert’s serious reply. For proud Gilbert to say something like that... What on earth had he seen?

‘Equal to Gilbert, or even stronger.’

Carrot continued writing. Despite his rough way of speaking, his handwriting was elegant. Once he had roughly finished the report, Carrot scratched his head.

“A five-member Special Operations Unit killed one Demonkin that was at least mid-ranking, sixteen Mole Monsters, and two mages. And the Demonkin was killed by a mage from the Empire... Fuck, who would believe this?”

Carrot handed the report to Gilbert and offered advice.

“It’d be better to claim it was your achievement. Plenty of sons of bitches will be eager to tear him down because he’s a mage.”

“No need. I’d get mocked to death.”

“True. If he’s a capable mage, he’ll stand out soon enough. No matter how much they try to interfere, they can’t cover the sky with their palm. It might even become useful as justification later.”

“You sound exactly like our commander.”

“Comparing a lady to a man is rude.”

“A lady?”

“Gilbert, your way of speaking has become quite irritating.”

Gilbert’s lips twitched. Carrot found it annoying enough to consider hitting him, but held back.

Gilbert subtly turned his head.

The Special Operations Unit commander was speaking with Adrianna.

Adrianna’s expressionless face gave nothing away, while the man seemed to hide behind a relaxed smile.

‘They suit each other better than expected.’

Carrot added his personal opinion beneath the report.

* * *

“Are you feeling all right?”

Galahad nodded at Adrianna’s indifferent question.

“I’m doing reasonably well.”

“You could have waited for reinforcements.”

“How could I? It’s opening day.”

Adrianna’s brows creased very slightly. Looking closely, she seemed to be thinking.

“...Ah, you compared your first mission to opening for business. It was an excellent comparison.”

Adrianna answered seriously.

‘I shouldn’t joke with this woman.’

Galahad muttered quietly.

“Then how did you find the cave?”

“The mana concentration was unusually dense. I followed it, and...”

Ta-da. Galahad pointed to the cave behind him.

“How did you know the mana concentration was dense?”

It was closer to asking for advice than interrogating him.

“I’m a mage. A mage can tell.”

“Ah, because you’re a mage...”

“You look disappointed.”

“Signs of Demonkin connected to mages have been found throughout the North lately. If I could tell, perhaps we could respond more effectively.”

“You should be able to tell.”

“Ah, I’m not a mage.”

Was that a joke? Galahad wondered, but Adrianna’s serious expression suggested it was not.

“Don’t you have the trait of burning mana? The sensation should differ depending on its concentration.”

“A sensation?”

“When you burn mana, there must be degrees to it. Try judging it by that.”

Adrianna lightly furrowed her brows. She seemed to be considering it.

Galahad had only offered the idea in theory.

Burning mana was as natural to Adrianna as breathing. Asking her to sense mana concentration was no different from asking someone breathing to judge the density of the air.

There was no way she could use it right away.

He was only telling her one possible way to apply her ability.

“Ah, this is it. Hmm...”

Then Adrianna waved her hand.

“I think I understand. I never considered there could be an application like this. You are remarkable.”

Adrianna offered genuine praise, but Galahad could not simply smile.

‘...She did it immediately?’

He had only meant to give her a small clue. Yet she grasped it at once...

‘As expected of Adrianna.’

Galahad quietly admired her.

“I’ll be able to use this very effectively. Thank you.”

Adrianna bowed deeply in thanks. Her sincerity was plain to see.

‘...This could be quite significant.’

She would not detect mana as well as Galahad could, but with that learning ability, her skills were sure to improve rapidly.

If she could detect mana concentration, she would be able to block most mages’ tricks.

“You can repay me later.”

“What would you like?”

“It was a joke.”

Adrianna’s brow twitched slightly. Galahad reminded himself once again not to joke with her.

“Will you be returning immediately?”

“Returning where?”

“Aren’t you coming to the First Battalion with me?”

Adrianna asked in a voice that was almost certain.

‘Ah, she thought I would follow her.’

It was a reasonable guess. Perhaps Adrianna had already expected it when she left headquarters.

Galahad had followed Adrianna because of her ability to burn mana.

Adrianna was the North’s hero. Staying by her side would make it easier and safer to earn achievements. Even on the front lines, considering Adrianna’s strength, it would probably be safer.

Following her was the obvious, rational choice.

But...

‘The problem is that the Grand Duke won’t recognize achievements I earn at Adrianna’s side.’

There were also too many pests in the North. And now there was Dawn as well.

If he left them alone, the Jema War might break out again.

The most important thing was preventing the end of the world.

Adrianna and the Grand Duke were only means to that end.

Of course, studying her ability was another matter.

‘I can stop by from time to time for that.’

After finishing his calculations, Galahad nodded as he looked at Adrianna, who had frozen like a broken machine.

“You thought I would follow you. I’m sorry, but I have something else to do.”

“Ah...”

Adrianna let out a short cry that sounded almost like a scream. It was so quiet that it was nearly inaudible. Her cheeks reddened slightly.

“You don’t need to be embarrassed. I would’ve thought the same.”

“...That is not it. I said it because it would be dangerous if something like this happened again. Your life is valuable.”

“Don’t worry. I can fight fairly well, despite appearances. You saw it, didn’t you?”

Galahad casually pointed toward the cave. Adrianna shook her head, swiftly returning to her usual calm expression.

“I have some matters to deal with for the time being.”

“Yes, I understand. The commander of each unit is responsible for deploying their troops.”

Adrianna nodded gracefully. Then she pulled something from her pocket. It was a small egg with a rough shell.

“This is the Curse-Giving Hawk Egg. If you break it, I can come to you wherever you are. If you are ever in danger, break it and I will come.”

“That’s a vicious name. But if I break the egg, you can come anywhere?”

“Yes. The mother hawk hunts the one who broke her egg until they die.”

“How interesting. How does it work?”

“...You must break it only when you truly need it. There is only one.”

“Come now, do you think I’d break it just because I was curious about how it works?”

Galahad smiled as he discreetly pulled back the finger pressing against the egg.

“I will be going now. I have been away from the border region for too long.”

“Ah, you should hold my hand before you go.”

“...You do not appear to be in good condition.”

“It’s fine. I’ve been waiting to hold your hand. I’d be disappointed if you just left.”

Adrianna’s brows rose slightly.

His insides were a mess from consuming too much Demonkin blood.

Something like residue from the Demonkin blood remained inside him. Burning it away would surely be better for his recovery.

He was curious as well. What would it feel like when the Demonkin blood residue burned? How would it work...?

He desperately wanted to know.

“All right.”

After a brief hesitation, Adrianna clasped his hand.

Even on the third time, he still had not grown accustomed to the pain.

He felt himself burn, be torn apart, then burn again. Still, this was his third time, so he did not let out an embarrassing scream.

The residue inside him began to burn. The moment that mana shattered, Galahad felt something strange.

‘The higher the concentration, the faster it burns.’

That meant the stronger the Demonkin, the greater Adrianna’s power became.

What a ridiculous ability. He had to keep hold of her.

Then Adrianna pulled her hand away. Galahad had lost his balance and fallen over.

Adrianna reached out to catch him, then stepped back.

Galahad looked up at Adrianna and curled his lips into a smile.

“See? I’m in better shape than last time, right? I fell over, but I didn’t pass out.”

Adrianna let out a small breath.

“Did you just smile?”

Instead of answering, Adrianna lowered her head slightly and stepped back.

“Then may you remain well.”

With that, Adrianna led the First Battalion away.

They seemed to be moving faster than before.

“Are you all right?”

“I’m better than I look.”

“Shall I help you up?”

“No, I can get up on my own.”

Galahad clicked his tongue and got to his feet.

‘Clean.’

He muttered as he opened and closed his hand.

Holding Adrianna’s hand had actually improved his condition this time.

His mana had still all burned away, but the side effects from the Demonkin blood were gone, making it better overall.

‘If I consume too much Demonkin blood, I can just go to Adrianna. Does that mean I can drink more?’

Various questions came to mind. Adrianna was always thrilling.

Then Gilbert gave a quiet cough. He looked like he had something to say.

“What is it?”

“Why did you not go to the First Battalion? Now that you have shown your ability, you could have easily earned achievements by joining them.”

Gilbert asked in a strange tone.

He was right. Following Adrianna would let Galahad earn achievements and establish himself fairly easily.

But Galahad’s goal was not Adrianna.

His goal was to prevent the terrible ending. The Grand Duke and Adrianna were only means to that end.

Besides, he could not be as effective against Demonkin as Adrianna was. Staying by Adrianna’s side was inefficient.

There was no need to go to someone else’s battlefield.

Galahad had a battlefield of his own.

“The right path is usually difficult and painful.”

Galahad tapped the parchment in his hand.

It contained information he had received from Eight. There was a great deal written on it, including information about suspicious forces that had entered the North.

If he dealt with them one by one, he would be able to expose Dawn.

This parchment was Galahad’s battlefield.

‘Is this what it means to support one’s wife?’

Galahad made a quiet joke and brushed the snow from his clothes.

“So what will you do?”

Gilbert asked while looking behind him. Gwen wore a serious expression, as though she had made up her mind. Damian patted his stomach, and Tom organized their belongings.

He seemed to be asking what direction the Special Operations Unit would take.

“Hasn’t the North become noisy lately?”

“...Yes. Strange people have been gathering in the North for several years. I have no idea what they think they’ll find to eat in this barren land.”

Galahad subtly avoided Gilbert’s irritated gaze.

“We will catch those people.”

A sentence written on one side of the parchment caught his eye.

[The Dark Magic Society is establishing a branch in the Fifth Battalion, but is facing difficulties due to opposition from that side. Still, it is expected not to take very long.]

He recalled the Fifth Battalion commander whispering at headquarters, “I’m interested in magic, so please be sure to visit.”

There had to be something there.

‘The Fifth Battalion is between the other battalions... It would be a good place to establish a base.’

Having somewhere to return to was important.

“We’re going to the Fifth Battalion. Everyone, prepare yourselves.”

Galahad spoke with a cigarette between his lips.

“We’re ready!”

Tom answered spiritedly.

Tom was quite perceptive.

Footnotes:

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