Chapter 9
Crackle, crackle—
Amid the quiet surroundings, only the sound of burning wood echoed dryly. It was the campfire that Philip had revived. The flickering flames blurred the surrounding landscape. The nightmarish scene was strewn with numerous wolf carcasses, cut and mangled with entrails scattered around. Yet, Mev stood silently in the middle of it all, like a statue, with a slightly anxious look in her eyes. Fortunately, the silence didn’t last long.
"Ian? Is that you?" Mev, her forehead wrinkling suddenly, asked, peering into the darkness.
"...!" Philip, who had been turning over firewood, also quickly turned his head. From beyond the darkness, a faint outline approached with a weary gait.
"Indeed. You are unharmed." The slow reply of Ian followed. To those waiting, the voice was as irritating as it was sluggish.
"You, what exactly was that earlier—" Mev moved forward.
"Have all the wolves retreated?" Ian interrupted, and Mev eventually furrowed her brow.
"Yes. Not long after you entered the forest, they scattered. But more importantly, you need to explain what happened earlier...." Mev took a deep breath and spoke.
She couldn’t finish her sentence again. It was because she had only just noticed Ian’s appearance.
"There’s no need to explain," Ian responded as he walked. He continued, "It was exactly as I said."
He threw what he was holding in his hand towards the campfire. A blurred parabola landed near the fire, rolling towards the crouched Philip. It was Andolf's head, with his tongue hanging out.
"By the Light of Lu Solar!" Philip fell on his backside at the sight of the horrific figure, neither human nor wolf.
"What is this?!" Philip asked.
"A werewolf. He was the one leading the wolves,” said Ian.
Ian stopped speaking and stood still. Mev, who had been staring at Andolf’s head, turned to Ian in a daze. The corners of Ian's mouth slightly curled up as their eyes met.
"You don’t look so good yourself," said Ian.
"..." Mev replied with silence.
That wasn’t something Ian should be saying. Ian looked as if he had swum through a sea of blood and flesh. But that also meant he had engaged in a fierce battle. Alone, in that dark forest.
"How did you know? That such a monster was leading the pack of wolves." So, Mev, instead of pointing out his comment, went back to the main topic.
"I didn’t know," replied Ian.
"What...?" Mev asked.
"But I had heard rumors. Of a pack of wolves that hunted only humans. Haven’t you heard anything like that, Sir?" said Ian.
"...No," Mev replied.
Acting on mere rumors. Unbelievable. Mev didn’t voice this thought, as she was also acting on rumors herself. But she couldn’t hide the look in her eyes.
Ian continued slowly, "There is often truth in seemingly absurd rumors, especially in times like these."
"But these mongrels were not particularly remarkable, just large in number. That’s why I decided to take out the leader. I only found out it was such a monster after seeing it." Ian shrugged one shoulder.
Although Ian’s tone suggested it was a minor change. However, to Mev, it didn’t feel like a boast. Ian had indeed killed the werewolf alone and returned.
Thinking this, Mev looked at Ian with a newfound respect. She finally realized that the stories of him single-handedly annihilating a kobold stronghold were neither exaggerations nor just luck.
Maybe this guy will really find the dark mage. But still… For the first time, such a thought crossed Mev’s mind.
“The fact that it was reckless remains unchanged.” Mev's voice was still stern. She continued, “If it had been a monster worse than the werewolf, you could have died. You should have gone with me.”
Regardless of personal wishes, Ian could not afford to die. He had to survive and reach the castle with her. To ensure that, such impulsive actions should not happen again.
"Hmm. Well..." Ian, scratching his chin, glanced at her and said, “With that outfit, you wouldn’t have been much help in the chase.”
...This guy? Mev’s eyebrows shot up.
“I’m much faster than you think. Even in this outfit.” Her voice involuntarily hardened.
"Of course you are," Ian replied, adding, “The beast would have felt threatened. It attacked because I was alone, otherwise, it would have fled. Then we would have missed it and never known when it might come after us again. We couldn’t let a threat like that escape.”
“That’s just speculation,” Mev replied.
“Then why was that thing hiding and watching? Ready to pounce at any moment. It means it wasn't as strong as it seemed. That's why I went alone. Does that make sense to you?” said Ian.
Mev was momentarily at a loss for words.
Ian continued calmly, “I understand your concern, but my life is of utmost importance. I am neither loyal nor noble enough to risk my life for someone else. Such qualities befit a knight like yourself, not a mere mercenary like me.”
"...." Mev had to admit she could never win an argument with Ian. She couldn’t force him to comply with sheer strength either.
Since Ian himself had just declared he wasn’t loyal or noble. Almost all mercenaries were like that, but Ian was the first to admit it so blatantly, especially in front of a knight like her. It didn’t feel like an empty word. Ian had proven his capabilities in several ways in just one day. If Mev drew her sword, he would surely fight back or flee. Neither outcome was desirable. After a moment's thought, Mev made a decision she didn’t want to.
"Alright. But in the future, I would appreciate it if you would inform me of your plans in advance. Don’t keep them to yourself," said Mev.
She decided to politely request Ian. She dreaded the thought of being manipulated by a rude, greedy mercenary, but she could think of no other way.
Ian’s response was unexpected. "Understood. I’ll do that."
He nodded agreeably, without any further comment.
Mev, feeling somewhat awkward, avoided his gaze and replied, “...Okay.”
Maybe she had been too distrustful of him. As she swallowed a cough to break the pause…
“Sir, how about sharing the heroic tale of your battle with this monster while we eat?” Philip eagerly interjected.
Though Philip hadn’t even dared to touch Andolf's head, his eyes sparkled with excitement. Ian chuckled and shook his head.
“Later. Philip,” replied Ian.
“...Is there still something left to do?” Philip asked.
“I don’t want to eat here. And I definitely don’t want to sleep here.” Ian spoke as if it were obvious, gesturing around him.
“Oh.” Philip’s expression showed understanding. There were wolf carcasses everywhere. It was not only a ghastly sight but also reeked of blood and decay.
“There's a stream in the center of the forest. It would be better to set up camp there. What do you think, sir?” Ian asked.
At Ian’s question, Mev, snapping out of her thoughts, nodded, “That’s a good idea. Let’s do that.”
“Fetch the horses. Philip.” Ian gestured with his chin. He commanded very naturally.
“Yes, sir,” Philip replied.
So natural given that even Philip and Mev didn’t realize anything odd. Philip ran toward the three tied horses. The two warhorses, armored on their necks and heads, were one thing, but the fact that they had managed to save Ian's old horse as well was the most mysterious part of the day for Ian. As Philip took the reins, the horses neighed, seemingly agitated.
“Now, what’s gotten into them? They're scared now? Come on, be good,” said Philip.
Philip pulled the reins. Philip and Mev's horses followed obediently, but Ian's horse came reluctantly, kicking up its front legs. Just as they approached a few steps…
Neigh!
Ian's horse, which had been snorting, suddenly collapsed to the side.
"Uh-oh...?"
Philip tilted his head in confusion. With the attention of both Ian and Mev now focused,
"Uh, sir, that is...." said Philip. After checking the horse, Philip hesitated before continuing, "It's... dead?"
"...." Ian's eyebrows shot up.
Mev, too, turned toward Ian with a look of surprise. As Ian blinked at the suddenly deceased horse, he realized, ‘This seems to be because of the blood I’m covered in.’
The old horse probably couldn’t handle the severe stress, especially with the smell of werewolf blood that Ian was giving off. However, Ian chose not to voice this thought.
"This is... Well. Uh, sir, I am sorry. It seems I made some mistake," said Philip.
Philip’s expression was that of a man who had lost a country, which Ian found amusing to watch.
"How could the one I managed to save die so meaninglessly...," said Philip.
“You should have been more careful, Philip. With so many wolf carcasses around,” Mev scolded him sternly and then looked at Ian.
"I regret this. I’ll pay for the horse." Ian shrugged. He continued, "Well, it’s not like it was on purpose. I understand. It was a miracle that the old thing survived in the first place."
"Thank you, sir. You are very generous." Philip bowed his head.
"But." Ian’s leisurely voice fell upon Philip's bowed head. Ian continued, "I don't want to walk."
"Excuse me...?" Philip raised his head, puzzled.
"I'm tired," Ian added, looking directly at him.
Philip, briefly stunned, looked between the horses and Ian, then sighed hopelessly, "Of course, I should be the one walking. Yes...."
***
Two hours later, the group unpacked their belongings by a stream in the center of the forest. While Philip prepared the campfire, Ian leisurely dismounted from his horse.
Philip's horse was much more comfortable than Ian's old horse. As Ian got off, Andolf's head, tied next to the saddle, dangled. It was Philip’s doing. Ian wondered why he brought it, but soon turned his attention to the stream. The head wasn't his main concern.
"It’s up to my calves…," murmured Ian. He had thought he could barely wash his face in the stream.
The stream was more like a river. Ian, who had casually sat on a nearby rock, began to untie his armor.
"What are you doing?" Mev asked, tilting her head.
"As you can see. I’m taking off my armor," Ian replied.
"What if we’re attacked again?" said Mev.
"Didn’t you feel it on the way here? There’s probably not even a deer left in this forest." Ian shrugged. He continued, "The werewolf had taken over the forest. They must have all fled."
Even if there is something, I must wash, no matter what. Muttering silently, Ian continued to undo the straps of his armor and shoulder pads. His whole body was sticky with sweat and blood.
"Ah. I see... That makes sense." Mev nodded her head in understanding.
"Sir, are you going to bathe now?" Philip, who had already lit a fire and laid out a resting place, asked.
“Yes,” Ian replied as he forcefully peeled off his shirt and armor, which clung to him stubbornly.
“Understood....” Philip, trailing off, sent a look resembling a puppy in need.
Ian, having set down his armor, gave Philip an annoyed glance. Resignedly, he pulled out a bundle from his pocket dimension. Smoked ham, cheese, and wheat bread, tightly packed, emerged under the moonlight. Philip’s face brightened.
After setting down the bundle, Ian coldly instructed, “Take out only half of it. We need to save some for tomorrow.”
“Yes! I will prepare it so you can eat it immediately,” replied Ian.
“Wash your hands first. And after preparing the food, clean my armor too,” said Ian.
“Of course!” Philip dashed off to the stream.
‘Easy to handle, indeed,’ thought Ian.
As Ian reached for his greaves with a smirk, he suddenly added as if remembering something, “I should mention in advance. I'm going to undress. Planning to wash up properly.”
“If I don't look, it doesn't matter.” Mev nodded nonchalantly, naturally removing her helmet.
Then she took off her steel gloves one by one, inserting her hands between the elbow armor. The clanking sound continued. After several manipulations under the shoulder armor, the protective armor around her elbows and upper arms dropped off.
As Mev skillfully began to remove her shoulder armor, Ian commented, “I thought you would even sleep in it.”
“I plan to bathe as well,” Mev replied calmly.
“Right now?” Ian tilted his head.
“That's the plan. Is there a problem?” Mev faced him.
...Well, You think there isn’t? For once, a rare look of bewilderment spread across Ian's face.
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