#151

“Lies.”

Ulli denied it, unable to believe it. The woman shrugged.

“Everyone was very surprised at first. Demonic Beasts hadn’t come near here for a while. Was it a few months ago? Then, one day, the perfectly fine County was turned into a wasteland, it was unbelievable. We had a similar reaction.”

“Did the Count really die?”

Ulli asked again, and the woman squinted. She seemed to sense something strange. Royl said from behind her,

“Yes. We heard the Count refused to abandon his castle and died staying until the end. It seems his family managed to escape, but the Count and the castle were completely destroyed.”

Seeing Royl make a throat-slitting gesture, Ulli let out a hollow laugh. She pressed her forehead and thought for a long time, then spun around. With eyes full of anger, she looked up at Cullen.

“I need to see it with my own eyes. Let’s go, Cullen. I know it’s urgent… but please. It will only take a few hours.”

Cullen nodded. Even with the urgent situation at the Imperial Palace, it was something he had to do for Ulli. After all, hadn’t they made a contract with the condition that he would help her get revenge on Count Linden?

Now, although they have moved past such things, both Cullen and Arne naturally understood her feelings towards her enemy. They are different yet share the same pain.

“It would be better to go before it gets darker.””As Cullen and Ulli spoke as if they would leave at any moment, the woman stepped forward to stop them.”

“What is it? Have you all lost your minds?” Why are you going there? There is still one monster left. He was the biggest among the intruders, and we were also planning to leave here soon.”Arne reassured her.”

“We will be fine.” The two people here are strong warriors who have no problem with monsters!”It was an unnecessary remark, but Cullen left Arne alone as he seemed to be enjoying himself for the first time in a while.” The woman observed them as if to gauge their skills, without denying anything. She, with her arms crossed, spoke as her gaze stopped at the pantel of Ulli.

“Then take me with you.” I will guide you.”Didn’t you say with your own mouth that it was dangerous?” We don’t have the luxury to protect you. And I know the way.”It was a cold demeanor, contrary to what was expected.” It seemed to have sharpened due to the death of Count Linden. However, the woman was not intimidated.

“You don’t seem like a person who knows nothing.” I don’t know how to find the way, but right now everything is broken, so we have to go somewhere else. You seem to be in a hurry, don’t you want to take the fast route? Take me there. I won’t disturb you. If you are going to deal with the monsters, then I will step back to look for food.She looked desperate. Kullen looked around. People had gathered around them before they knew it, as they were engaged in a heated debate. The appearance of someone who seems to have not eaten properly for at least a few days weighed on my mind. Since I was going to be involved for a short time anyway, it seemed reasonable to ask for this much.

“Ulli, it’s okay, I will take you.” You just have to stay with Arne.”…That’s typical of you.””He let out a sigh, brushed his hair back, and spoke to the woman in a crooked manner.

“Please guide me.”The woman’s complexion brightened. She looked back at Roil as if she was happy and quickly said.

“Just a moment.” I will just bring my bag.”She hurriedly turned her back but paused and introduced herself to her companions.”

“My name is Edel.” Thank you very much. It saved many people.”After finishing her words, Roy anxiously chased after the woman who was running away.” Arne approached them and smiled.

“It’s a scene I haven’t seen in a while, so I’m happy.” You two don’t look like that, but you have a surprisingly soft resemblance.”That’s an insult, right?””As Ully relaxed his expression and made a joke, Arne laughed.” Rushing over in a hurry, Cullen couldn’t help but smile at the moment of leisure he had briefly forgotten. However, there was still a heaviness in one corner of my heart. As he watched the woman rushing over with her bag, Cullen gazed at the north that she had turned her back to. The invisible capital was distant.

Edel brought someone else instead of Roil. He was a middle-aged man with a dignified and calm appearance. He was said to be a neighbor who ran a blacksmith shop nearby and had practically raised Edel and Roil, who grew up without parents.

I grumbled that it was different from the promise ringing in my ears when I suddenly saw him volunteering to leave, but I didn’t really stop him. The man spoke little. Instead, I occasionally glanced at Woolly.

“That person… has fallen for Wully, I wonder?” It’s just that I didn’t notice you next to Kien, but Uli, you are also very beautiful.”The man’s behavior was quite obvious to the point that Arne noticed it.” Woolly was disgusted by the arbitrary guess.

“Don’t get involved with someone who is quite a bit older than me!” And even next to Kien, your beauty shines, doesn’t it?”Of course!”Arne quickly chimed in with Ulli’s story. Edel, who was listening to their conversation, asked Cullen.

“I guess you are close?” I thought you were a mercenary.”I was a mercenary, but we didn’t come together for that kind of thing.””Kullen briefly nodded instead of insisting on revealing his identity.” Edel nodded her head. As she had promised, she guided him to the white paper through a somewhat rough but quick route. She, who was constantly looking around, said.

“I will arrive soon.” Fortunately, I don’t see any monsters today. Where did they go…?”As soon as the words finished, a roar was heard from somewhere.” Edel and the middle-aged man stood tall and looked in the direction of the sound.

“Damn.”Kullen quickly discovered the monster. It was even harder to find because it was too big.

The creature had the body of an ogre with multiple mole faces attached to it, and perhaps because of that, it was wildly swinging a tail that resembled a giant rat. At the end, there were even thorns. It was similar to the strange variant that had been appearing recently.

“I am blocking the castle.” Let’s go back. It’s dangerous if we continue like this.”It’s really big.” How is Cullen?”I can handle it alone, but… it will take time.” It seems that we need to lure them.Edel and the man were surprised by Cullen’s words and looked at him. As I quietly gazed at the place where the creature was, I held onto Pantel and spoke.

“Then it takes a long time.” I don’t want to cause such trouble. I’ll give it a try. If Pantel helps, I can do it.”But… didn’t you say there was no answer?””Arne asked cautiously.” Woolling nodded his head.

“Yes.” So I am going to try it. I need to know which direction I should go now. If there is no answer this time, I will let it go.”Ulline said that and asked Cullen for a favor.”

“If it really gets urgent, I’ll take care of avoiding it myself.” Come to save me then, okay?”Are you okay?””Don’t worry.” I won’t die without you!”As if knowing Cullen’s concerns, she stood on her tiptoes and patted his head.” Then he quickly wrapped the pantel around.

“Are you crazy?” Don’t go!Edel stopped Ulli from crying.

“It will be fine.””Kullen instructed them to do something else.”

“I will make sure you don’t go to places with campsites, so don’t worry.” However, it would be better to avoid the seat. Search the empty castle as intended to find food. That side is helpful.”But……Edel, who had spoken firmly, hesitated. Then the man led her. He said while pulling Edel, staring at Ulli.

“Since you say it’s okay, it would be best to follow along.” I have a good feeling. So let’s go. Did you not say that you don’t want to see children starving?”…I understand.””Edel, nodding her head, urged them before turning her steps.”

“Don’t die.” Even if they are a stranger, I don’t want anyone to die.That remark strangely comforted me. It felt like I was momentarily escaping the cycle of killing and being killed. Soon, Edel disappeared with the man.

“Ulli, are you really okay?””I won’t die until I start a theater company with Arne.” Here it is.”After gathering the ringing pantel, I deliberately walked away waving my hand without looking back.” Kullen made Arne stop in her place and followed her from a distance. I said to follow me if it gets dangerous, but that would inevitably delay the response. Kullen did not want to create any more situations where he could lose someone.

Standing behind the roaring beast, he threw the stone he had picked up. Due to its large size, it had a hard time finding Wully and was looking around until she shouted.

“Hey, you little rat!”At Ulli’s cry, the monster goes ‘Uoooooo-!”I screamed. There was nothing to do, and danger approached immediately. The giant foot was heading straight towards Ulli. The shadow was cast over Uli.

“Uli!””Kullen jumped out immediately.” As he ran towards her with his eyes wide open, Ulli shouted while raising the pantel, injuring his arm.

“I’ll be fine!”She did not move like someone who wanted to die. He did not even try to avoid it, contrary to what he promised me. Before Cullen could arrive, a giant foot covered Uli.

Bang!

With a vibration that shook the earth, a dust storm rose violently. Kullen shook his head and drew his sword, heading towards the monster. At that moment, when I thought I had to save Ulli right away, even at the risk of injury…

Wow, ohhh!

The monster screamed. The monster staggered with its enormous body, writhing in pain. The moment Cullen flinched and stepped back, the monster snarled once more.

Aaaah!

After that, everything happened in an instant. The monster that had attacked Ulli was split in half, and from within it, Ulli emerged covered in blood.

It seemed that a red-patterned pantel was visible, and she used the rebound to strike the pantel into the monster’s leg. Then he leaped again and stabbed a great sword into his head. It was just three strikes.

As Ully’s much cleaner and more destructive attack ended, the monster died without even being able to scream. A deep moan flowed shallowly, and the heavy body collapsed. Arne, who was behind, came running in a hurry.

“Uh, Mr. Woolly, are you okay?””He, who didn’t cry at the truly important moments, seemed surprised and was now on the verge of tears.” Kullen was also surprised, wiping the cold sweat from his brow and nodding his head.

“Yes.” It seems so.”Ulli pulled out the great sword from the head of the fallen monster and shouted from afar.” She waved her hand and was smiling happily despite being covered in blood.

“Welcome!” We should go before it gets dark!Kullen exchanged glances with Arne and started running before she finished speaking. Seeing them running towards him, Uliga jumped down from the corpse of the monster. The face looked much clearer.

“Ulli, you broke the promise.” Did you not decide to avoid it?”Kullen sternly told her as soon as he arrived.” I usually didn’t speak harshly to her, but this was hard to overlook. Then she clasped her hands and prayed.

“I’m sorry.” I felt like it shouldn’t be this safe. But I did it with certainty, really.”I thought I was going to lose Ulli!””Arne hugged her tightly, ignoring that she was covered in blood.” While petting Arne, who is much bigger than me, I laughed out loud.

Ah, refreshing. It’s all done now. Let’s go.”…The castle is right in front of us.” Did you not say you were going to check the corpse?”

Woolling nodded his head.

“Yeah, look over there.””Following her nod, Cullen also turned his gaze.” There was a decaying corpse there. The corpse located just below the main gate of the castle was dressed in splendid clothing.

“It wasn’t that I was trying to die to protect the castle.” Because he’s a bastard who doesn’t even have the courage to do that. They probably died trying to escape. I just saw that and thought…”He spoke as if he had shaken off a heavy burden.”

“I’m just trying to forget.” I now have colleagues and Pantel. It’s enough just to be happy. Since the party has died, I just want to forget about his family and everything else. I don’t want to become the same person, or even worse, blinded by revenge.Her words resonated with me. Cullen asked Uli with a troubled heart.

“Revenge… is it not necessary?””It’s not like that.” If I were alive, I would have killed you. But I don’t want to live unhappily while trying to find everyone involved. I’ve seen too much of that.I laughed while looking at the ringing Cullen.

“I’m okay because I have you guys!” So let’s hold on a little longer. Let’s save Kien and be happy together.”Okay!””Arne seemed to be moved again as he lifted Ulli up and choked back tears.” The sound of Uli’s cheerful laughter gradually colored the darkening sky.

Edel and the man arrived at the campsite later than the rest of the group. Their bags were full, but their expressions were gloomy. One of the villagers who was helping Uli and Arne warm water over the campfire to clean the blood ran to Edel.

“Are you here now, Edel?””

“Yes.” I have secured food. But what about those mercenaries earlier…?”Oh, they came earlier!” Come over and let’s eat first! He first shared the food he had with the children!”Edel looked puzzled as she glanced quickly at the campfire in response to the girl’s lively words.” Her eyes widened, and soon she ran over quickly.

“Were you alive?”!”Ulli said while wiping his blood-stained face with a cloth.”

“Then did you think I would have died?””That’s ridiculous.”Edel had a look on her face as if she couldn’t believe it. A man approached her.

“That is something that can happen.” Mr. Ulyan was an excellent inspector. If she is the noble lady who inherited his blood… it is possible.”Kullen saw him with the name Ulyan.” Arne opened his eyes wide.

“…Do you know your father?”The most surprising thing was Uli. The impact of her words was tremendous. At the word “father,” all the villagers stood up and looked at them in unison. Ignoring the murmurs, Uliga stared intently at the man as if urging him to respond.

“Yes, at one time my father made his sword, and I have met him.” Lord Ulian is a kind lord who always helps those in trouble while making his rounds. You really resemble the Countess who was sitting next to you. It’s as if you have come back to life.Then the man knelt down.

“I meet the true lord of the Linden territory.”People hesitated as if they couldn’t believe what was being said in the company. However, among them, the older ones began to recognize Uli’s face one by one.

“That’s right, it’s true!” You look just like the lady’s face!”I thought the story that the young lady was alive was just a rumor…!”The murmuring soon turned into a marvelous sigh, surrounding Wully without exception.

“You didn’t abandon us and came back, young lady!””I… wait a moment, that’s not it.” Moreover, this is not my land. This place…”He looked at people with an indescribable face.” Kullen, who had been watching her, spoke up.

“This is indeed your territory.” I allowed it.This time, people looked at Cullen with puzzled faces. I had a look that seemed to question who Cullen was to allow such a thing.

“Really… is that okay?””Ulli asked back.” She seemed to have a hard time making up her mind. Kullen nodded his head. Then someone asked.

“Who is that person to say such things?”I stood up and made eye contact with the people who were making noise. Then he gestured to Cullen and spoke.

“This person is the prince whom Ulrika Linden serves.” You are also the benefactor who saved me and brought me here.”…Is he the Crown Prince?”Everyone murmured at the shocking statement. When Cullen raised his eyebrows at the words “the benefactor who brought me here,” she smiled playfully. In the meantime, this time Roy stepped forward to refute.

“That can’t be true.” The crown prince is said to be doing crazy things in the palace right now!”Kullen’s expression hardened at Royl’s words.” He stood up with a cool gaze and stared at the oil.

“…What did you just say?””Startled by the chilling gaze, Roy flinched and trembled his shoulders.” Then, I stuck close to Edel.

“The crown prince… has gone mad.” It’s true. Everyone has heard it. Suddenly went crazy and had a dragon burn the Tesnia Mountains. This is something everyone knows.For a moment, I couldn’t understand what I had heard.

The dragon… is burning the Tesnia mountain range?

That can’t be true. It couldn’t have been anyone other than Kihelene who made her do such a thing.

She had the mindset of royalty, but she was not the kind of person to kill the common people without reason. Moreover, forcing Kien to do so is akin to massacre. She, who likes people, wouldn’t have made someone do such a thing… It had to be done.

“Nonsense.””Kullen denied in a cool voice.” As Roil flinched and closed his mouth at the fierce momentum, Edel stepped forward.

“Um… I don’t know what the situation is, but it seems likely that a dragon is burning the mountains.” We are here, and although we haven’t seen it directly, rumors have spread here and there. There are many rumors saying that a noble heard news from the capital and is talking about various things.”Edel hesitated at the fact that Cullen was a prince, but she said that the rumors about the dragon were definitely true.” People began to murmur and whisper among themselves at her words.

“That’s right.” The passing noblemen of the capital said that, as the wandering Zenon once did.”I really don’t understand what the palace is thinking.” It was always like that, but why are they suddenly telling us to burn the mountains where no one lives, people like us who only help others? I have no idea.”The mindset of those in higher positions, we…””

The murmuring villagers fell silent at the middle-aged man’s gesture. Cullen closed his mouth at the continuous stories. The shock hit him belatedly. He tried to deny it somehow, but in a situation where the majority was convinced, he slowly accepted it.

Kihelene gave Kiyen an order.

That single sentence evoked an indescribable emotion within Cullen. First and foremost was anger towards Kihelene. He hadn’t thought she would be that kind of person. Although she always warned to be wary of Dragons, he believed she wouldn’t rashly judge Kiyen’s character.

Furthermore, he hadn’t expected her to order the mountains to be burned, knowing people lived there. This was because she was a person who, though innocent, respected others.

And above all, the fact that someone he thought was a responsible member of the Imperial Family dared to use Kiyen drove him mad.

The swirling anger soon turned into self-reproach. Kiyen had clearly asked him to choose. Whether to send him to protect her, or to keep him captive.

He shouldn’t have sent him.

He should have just been selfish and not sent him.

Knowing better than anyone the meaning of a forced command for Kiyen, and having promised he would never let such a thing happen again. To have her experience such a situation immediately after the incident in the cave.

His choice was wrong. He shouldn’t have sent Kiyen. If he hadn’t, she wouldn’t have suffered this pain, and he himself…

“Did… did many people die?”

Arne, who had been listening to their conversation, asked cautiously. Arne also looked unwell, worried about Kiyen. Ulli was the same. At those words, Cullen momentarily escaped the self-loathing that had sunk him to the bottom.

“Of course, some did. Though not many, there were people hiding and living sparsely in the mountains, weren’t there? I heard they fled in advance upon seeing the Dragon, so there were almost none…”

Royle chimed in, and then Edel also spoke.

“Besides, Mount Tesnia is important in itself. It’s the largest mountain range on the continent, and considering the resources from there, it’s how people in the north and west make a living…”

As if they too were starving and struggling, Edel spoke in a tone that didn’t make it sound like someone else’s problem.

“As expected, Dragons are cruel. All that talk about Guardian Dragons and how they saved the Duchy must have been lies. Guardian Dragon, my foot.”

Royle said to Edel, as if in fear. The moment he heard that, Cullen found it impossible to remain there. Fearing he would only scare and frighten the innocent people, Cullen turned and pushed through the crowd without a word. People flinched and parted, intimidated by his fierce aura.

Arne followed him, and Ulli looked around at the people, saying,

“It’s natural they know nothing about the Imperial Palace, so they can be swayed by such rumors. But the Crown Prince is Cullen. There are two members of the Imperial Family in the palace. And for the Dragon… there’s a reason for it.”

Ulli ran a hand through her hair as if she herself didn’t know, and continued speaking to the people.

“It might be easier to believe what you see, but don’t judge rashly until you experience it yourself. That was my mistake.”

She seemed to have much to say but closed her mouth and turned in the direction Cullen and Arne had disappeared.

Cullen returned to the place where his horse and luggage were prepared. He felt a sense of urgency and couldn’t stay there for another moment. There were many shocking words, but the saddest among them was that people were calling Kiyen cruel.

Little by little, people were starting to believe. He thought they would eventually recognize Kiyen’s true nature.

But the Imperial Family had tarnished it again. The bloodline of the one who made him a murderer.

Cullen writhed with guilt, feeling as though he had condoned that situation. He remembered Kiyen’s parting words. His words about having too many precious things pierced Cullen. The most precious was Kiyen, and it felt like he had caused it so that Kiyen wouldn’t feel it at all, driving him to despair.

“Cullen…”

Arne gently touched his shoulder. Cullen rubbed his dry face and tried to sort out his turbulent emotions. However, whenever Kiyen was involved, his emotions would surge, making it difficult for calm judgment or composure to take root.

“Cullen!”

Ulli, who had followed, called his name and stopped. Despite his expressionless face, his complexion seemed poor, and Ulli, looking flustered, took his hand. Surrounded by Arne and Ulli, he felt a little calmer than before.

“Don’t worry about the nonsense we just heard… We’ll go and judge for ourselves. The people here haven’t actually seen what’s happening in the capital or the north, have they?”

“Yes, Cullen. Let’s try to reduce our sleep from now on and hurry. That will shorten the journey by at least a week.”

Cullen looked at them and nodded. He felt more guilt seeing them push themselves, but there was no other way.

“…I’m sorry. It seems that’s the best course of action.”

“Oh, don’t apologize! Kiyen is our precious colleague. If they are in danger, it’s our turn to help them as much as they’ve helped us!”

“That’s right. And if Kiyen is really burning the north… it means another Crown Prince gave the order. I don’t know anything about that person, but something strange must be happening anyway.”

The last words brought a sliver of reason back. In his momentary surge of anger, he hadn’t recalled Kiyen being summoned. Kiyen had been called because she was in danger. Therefore, something stemming from that danger was likely involved in this situation.

Thinking about it, it was certain that something happened when Lasano moved towards the Imperial Palace. As his emotions settled, the situation became clearer, and Cullen’s mind cooled. Instead of being swayed by guilt and anger and worrying his companions, it was important to do what he could right now.

“Ulli is right. We’ll know for sure once we go to the Imperial Palace.”

“Yeah. Let’s pack quickly and depart.”

“Ulli, you used a lot of energy earlier, are you alright?”

Arne asked with concern, but Ulli forced herself to sound more cheerful.

“This is nothing. Considering what we’ve been through, these past few weeks have been peaceful! Besides, I’m seasoned when it comes to hardship.”

“Me too!”

As Arne agreed, Cullen forced a smile onto his stiff face. For the sake of those who cared about him, he needed to maintain his composure for now. He couldn’t break down now.

“Thank you.”

Seeing their smiling faces at his words, he calmed his heart.

Having made their decision, they quickly said their goodbyes. Edel still didn’t seem to fully understand Cullen’s identity or their situation, but she certainly knew she had received help.

She shared the food she had brought with the group. The middle-aged man who had followed Edel gave them each a fur coat. Ulli tried to refuse, but the man was insistent.

“You removed the greatest threat, so this much gratitude is fitting. Besides, you are the lord of the territory.”

At the words “lord of the territory,” Ulli looked awkward.

“I am not the lord. My father might have been in the past… but I haven’t protected or contributed to this place. It’s your land.”

At Ulli’s words, the people looked moved. Someone said,

“Will you return, Count Linden?”

Startled by the title Count Linden, Ulli looked at Cullen.

Cullen nodded. Ulli deserved to be happy. Once everything was resolved, it was only right that she return here, restore her lost home, and live a happy life.

“But…”

“There are places that are good without a leader, and places that improve with one. At least, this is one of them. We believe in the bloodline of Ulli-an. Besides, you’ve shown us directly.”

“Yes. Please do come back.”

The man and Edel spoke one after another, and Ulli slowly nodded.

“I’ll think about it. This is my hometown too… and the land my father loved. But first, I must help my colleague and benefactor, the Crown Prince.”

Ulli moved closer to Cullen and continued.

“There are people in the world who work for others in unseen places. Cullen is one of those people. You might not know it now… but you will later. So, when this land becomes peaceful, I will return then.”

At Ulli’s words, Royle and the others looked thoughtful. Ulli, who had received the fur coat from the middle-aged man, distributed one each to Cullen and Arne. Then, she said her final goodbyes to the people. She quickly left before being held back further and looked up at Cullen.

“Well then, let’s go! To save the Dragon!”

“Ulli, you seem like a magnificent warrior!”

Arne chimed in.

“We are all warriors. Arne is a warrior too!”

Ulli said with deliberate cheerfulness, patted Cullen’s hand, and whispered kindly.

“It will be alright, Cullen. We can do this.”

Looking at the small hand covering his own, Cullen nodded. Then, he suddenly felt truly fortunate to have gained companions. The thought that all of this came from meeting Kiyen made his chest ache, but it was alright.

We just have to save him.