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Chapter 38
A room shrouded in black curtains.
There were no windows, and a single lantern hung on the wall, swaying precariously.
Its light cast long shadows over the long table at the center of the room, and beyond those shadows sat a man.
His gloved fingers slowly flipped through a thin stack of documents laid out on the table.
Sssshh…
“…So it has come to this.”
At the opposite side of the table, someone knelt, bowing their head.
Half of his face was hidden under a black hood, and even his breathing was cautious.
“Is there… bad news?”
“The situation in the North is coming to the surface. This matter could affect us as well.”
His voice was neither loud nor soft.
Yet the subordinate’s pupils flickered slightly at his words.
The North.
“That… is the place His Excellency is most concerned about, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. It’s the most important place, after all.”
The North was where the fiercest battles within the empire were fought. Thousands of soldiers died there each year, and just as many were conscripted.
Because it was a conflict zone, it was a place that could be exploited in many ways.
The man’s gaze hardened.
“Their location?”
“They’re currently in the imperial treasury.”
The man nodded at his subordinate’s answer.
Even for them, handling those inside the palace would be reckless. One slip, and everything would be ruined.
“They’ll come out soon. Do not miss that moment.”
“Understood. But… all of them?”
“No, one example is enough.”
The man’s gaze lingered on a page of the documents.
Though there were no names or photos, the page was filled with information related to the Northern Front, the palace, and several merchant guilds.
He flipped the page.
The target was clearly listed.
The man tossed the paper to his subordinate, who memorized its contents immediately.
Flare!
After committing everything to memory, the subordinate destroyed the document. The man spoke.
“Do not prolong this.”
“Shall we leave a mark?”
“No. This time, they must disappear without a trace—as if they never existed.”
The candle flickered briefly, as if the darkness itself was laughing.
The man said:
“Make them understand that no one can be free before Nocturne.”
At his command, the subordinate’s figure vanished like smoke.
“This…?”
Artheon paused instinctively at the sight of a thin silver bracelet.
The magical aura emanating from it felt strangely attuned to him.
The administrator’s eyes twinkled.
“Ah, you’re looking at an interesting item.”
“What ability does this bracelet have?”
“It increases cold resistance.”
“Cold resistance?”
The administrator nodded.
“It protects the wearer from even the harshest cold. This was excavated long ago from a dungeon in the North. For someone in the North like you, it’ll be quite fitting.”
Artheon carefully picked up the bracelet.
Cold resistance might seem trivial, but…
“As he says…”
For Artheon in the North, it could be a priceless treasure. The harshest challenge for soldiers in the North was the cold.
If he could be free from it…
“…the things I could do would multiply.”
Yet he didn’t decide immediately.
Artheon took his time inspecting all the items in the Gold-tier treasury. Over two hundred in number, it took a while, but he was thorough.
Finally…
“I’ll take this one.”
“Don’t you want an artifact with offensive magic, or a ring for invisibility?”
“No, this is best.”
Artheon chose the bracelet that increased cold resistance. While artifacts for flame magic or invisibility were appealing, he reasoned:
‘If the recharge time is over three months…’
A bracelet that provided continuous cold resistance was far more practical. It didn’t just block cold—it used magic to protect the body from it.
With that, he could wear lighter combat gear and benefit from the advantages.
“Hmph… if that’s your decision, so be it. Then take it.”
The administrator wrote something on the register and followed him out.
“Finally, out.”
“Did you find something good?”
Tertian and Isaac, waiting outside, asked.
Artheon smiled faintly, showing the bracelet on his wrist.
Tertian and Isaac also displayed the items they had chosen: boots for Tertian, a sword for Isaac. Each item radiated a faint magical aura, showing they were no ordinary tools.
“You’ve done well.”
“Heh, it’s just daily work. No need to fuss. I’ll close the door now.”
After the administrator shut the door, Captain Talork led Artheon and the others toward the palace entrance.
“Congratulations, everyone. Also, this is a letter from Belcain. He’ll be gone on duty for two days, so you’re free until then.”
Isaac read it aloud. They indeed had two days of free time.
“Lucky… and with money too.”
The capital was the empire’s most prosperous city. Isaac grinned.
“Then we’ll meet back here at noon in two days.”
“Can we move separately?”
“Three men together? Just enjoy yourselves and meet on time. Any delay counts as desertion.”
“Understood.”
Tertian and Artheon nodded in agreement. Isaac then left in another direction.
“See you in two days, then.”
Tertian immediately followed.
Left alone, Artheon scratched his cheek. Not that he needed protection or supervision, but still… leaving him so exposed.
He turned his gaze toward the streets.
‘Here…’
He had been granted a villa on the outskirts of the capital as recognition for his achievements. He could now leave the North and settle in the capital.
Artheon silently watched the streets.
His past life. Ten years in the harsh North. Witnessing countless deaths, facing death over a hundred times. A living hell in many ways, yet…
‘That was home…’
His comrades had been his family.
No thoughts of retreat. This could be a chance to start anew, yet the faces of those who died before him haunted his mind.
‘No matter who stands in my way…’
Clenching his fist, Artheon resolved. Even if it were the emperor…
‘They will pay.’
He chastised himself for relaxing a bit while coming to the capital. His calm eyes sharpened again.
He scanned the surroundings and headed into an alley. Not that he knew the capital well, but alleys often housed shops dealing in antiques and rare artifacts.
“Since I have time… might as well make use of it.”
Even now…
‘They’re probably scheming.’
Much had changed since his past life. Reclaiming Helikel Gorge was already a major issue for them.
And…
‘I have to prepare, whatever they might do.’
Artheon moved deeper into the alley.
At the same time, from a distance, someone observed him and slowly began following his direction.
“Come, come, have a look here!”
“Hey, young man! Try this!”
Unlike the tidy main avenue, the alley smelled of life. A small market thrived with merchants calling out to customers.
A completely different atmosphere from the North. Even in northern cities, this liveliness was rare.
“What is this?”
“Tasty, right?”
The food was made from roughly kneaded flour, yet it had a chewy texture and unique taste.
Artheon asked the merchant, holding a bag:
“Is there a blacksmith or a place selling magical equipment here?”
“Of course. A little further, turn left, and you’ll find Parker’s blacksmith. Not many know, but it’s the best in the capital—his skill is remarkable. Magical equipment is a bit deeper in, turn into the left alley, and there’s a shop with a blue door. You’ll find it there.”
“Ah, thank you. I’ll enjoy this as well.”
“Heh, come again sometime.”
Artheon followed the directions. Soon, he found a small, old blacksmith.
‘Go a bit further and left into the alley…’
Turning in, he saw the blue-doored shop. Though worn with age, it felt welcoming.
Creaaak.
He opened the door. A woody, musty smell greeted him.
The counter was empty.
“Hello?” he asked cautiously.
“…Who are you?”
A slightly hunched old man appeared, rustling from inside.
“This is the place for magical equipment, yes?”
“It’s rare for a customer to come here personally. Looking for something specific?”
“Not exactly. Can I see what you sell?”
“…Do you have money?”
“Enough.”
Artheon lifted his pouch slightly. Coins clinked—gold and silver mixed together.
The old man’s eyes widened. Despite his youthful appearance, he carried such wealth.
Then…
“…Huh?”
Something caught the old man’s gaze, and his pupils trembled.
“Where… where did you get that?”
“Pardon?”
Artheon tilted his head at the question.
