Chapter 862: Terrible News (5)
After coming to my senses and leaving the room, I was met with a series of busy days. (Bjorn Yandel)
The world was changing by the second due to the big event that was the Dimensional Collapse, and I had been cooped up in my room for nearly a month. (Bjorn Yandel)
However, I wouldn’t call it a useless waste of time. (Bjorn Yandel)
Sometimes, such things are necessary to move further forward. (Bjorn Yandel)
Ample time to think, and think, and think again. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Bahella!” (Bjorn Yandel)
Having finished my preparations to move forward again, the first thing I did was report my survival. (Bjorn Yandel)
“The Tribe Chief is here!” (Warrior)
“Uooooooh! The great warrior has returned!” (Warrior)
First, I went to the Holy Land and cried out the name of the Ancestral Spirit, instantly dispelling the anxiety that had been building up among the warriors due to the ‘Tribe Chief's seclusion.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
“You’re late…?” (Shabin Emur)
“Ah, I’m truly sorry to you.” (Bjorn Yandel)
I also sincerely apologized to Shabin Emur, the Minister of Finance for the Barbarian Tribe. (Bjorn Yandel)
Even after I had returned to the city, she had been handling all the work by herself for over a month. (Bjorn Yandel)
Ah, was it always like that? (Bjorn Yandel)
“But now that it’s come to this, I feel a bit conflicted.” (Shabin Emur)
“…Hmm?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Still, since all the warriors were so downcast, they didn’t cause any trouble, so that was good…” (Shabin Emur)
As the Tribe Chief, I had nothing to say, so I exercised my right to remain silent and moved on. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Haha, you’re later than I thought, aren’t you?” (Dwarf)
I also had a drinking session with the Dwarf and Bear Uncle, taking the time to convey my gratitude and apologies. (Bjorn Yandel)
But what’s with these two? (Bjorn Yandel)
Did they make a bet on when I would come out? (Bjorn Yandel)
“Here, hand it over. I won the bet.” (Bear Uncle)
I wasn’t sure, but I knew one thing. (Bjorn Yandel)
Join Discord
They had not even considered the possibility that I would not come out of my room. (Bjorn Yandel)
“My condolences once again.” (Dwarf)
The atmosphere of the drinking session quickly turned somber due to their consideration and empathy, but that wasn’t what I wanted. (Bjorn Yandel)
“No need for such expressions. I’m fine now.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“That’s a relief… But if you ever need a drink, just call on us.” (Bear Uncle)
“All of our members might still be alive.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“…What?” (Dwarf)
Ah, of course, when I explained the basis for my thoughts, the look in their eyes became even more tender, which was a bit much. (Bjorn Yandel)
It was like they were sending a warm gaze to a mentally ill friend. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Forget it, you two just watch. Whether my judgment was right or wrong. Ah, or should we make a bet?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“A bet? Hmm… Yes, let’s do it!” (Dwarf)
“So you really didn’t believe a word I said.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Actually, that’s not it. Since you put it so strongly, I’m starting to lose my conviction as well.” (Bear Uncle)
“Then why did you agree to a bet?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Well… aren’t you my opponent? When it comes to a ‘match,’ it just doesn’t seem like you would ever lose.” (Bear Uncle)
“…” (Bjorn Yandel)
“So, is the bet on?” (Bear Uncle)
“Yes, it’s on.” (Bjorn Yandel)
Ah, for the record, we didn't decide exactly what the loser would give. (Bjorn Yandel)
The Dwarf jokingly said something or other, but I just laughed it off. (Bjorn Yandel)
It wasn't because I thought I would lose. (Bjorn Yandel)
I was just not enough of an idiot to get seriously invested here. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Well then, let’s meet like this from time to time. I’ll be off now. My wife is waiting…” (Bear Uncle)
The day after my meeting with them, my schedule was packed tight. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Bjorn! You must make time today! We have to go to Kobson's house!” (Ainar)
“…Kobson?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“He’s Carlson Enderk’s younger brother!” (Ainar)
I also stopped by the house of Carlson, who had helped Ainar during the collapse. (Bjorn Yandel)
From what I heard, Ainar had already visited several times while I was in my room… (Bjorn Yandel)
“They all want to see you!” (Ainar)
I had a debt to Carlson, so I cleared my schedule without a word and went with Ainar. (Bjorn Yandel)
The Enderk family, a single-mother household, was a large one. (Narration)
Led by the eldest son Carlson, there were five younger siblings under him. (Narration)
Ah, Kobson was the second son. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Wow… Yandel! It’s really Bjorn Yandel…!!” (Sibling)
“Hey, kids! What kind of rudeness is that toward the Viscount…! Oh my, I’m so sorry. The youngest is still little, Viscount…” (Mrs. Enderk)
“It’s fine, you don’t need to worry about it. I’ll be speaking informally anyway.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Ah! What are you saying! How can we be on the same level as the Viscount…” (Mrs. Enderk)
“What’s so different? Ah, that I’m a Barbarian and not a human? Don’t tell me you’re a racist?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Ah, no! Of course not!” (Mrs. Enderk)
“Then that’s settled. Don’t worry about it from now on.” (Bjorn Yandel)
We ate the meal that Mrs. Enderk had painstakingly prepared, and afterward, I took the second son out to assess his skills and help with his training. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Kobson, what Rank did you say you were?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“I’m Seventh Rank… That’s why I couldn’t enter the Labyrinth with my brother…” (Kobson)
“Don’t be discouraged, Kobson! Didn’t I tell you! You will become stronger! I will make it so!” (Ainar)
“Haha… Yes, I’ll trust in you, Sister Fenelin…!” (Kobson)
Was it because he felt he had to take over for Carlson, who had been the head of the family? (Bjorn Yandel)
Unlike his frail appearance, Kobson somehow followed Ainar’s high-intensity training to the very end. (Narration)
Furthermore, while he seemed to feel immense pressure from Ainar’s attention, he never refused her consideration. (Narration)
And as I watched all of this. (Bjorn Yandel)
“…” (Bjorn Yandel)
I was keenly reminded once again. (Bjorn Yandel)
Just how heavy a debt we owed to Carlson Enderk. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Thank you for coming… The kids were so happy… I don’t know when they’ve laughed like this.” (Mrs. Enderk)
“No need for thanks. I’ll come by with Ainar from time to time.” (Bjorn Yandel)
And so, the visit to the Carlson family concluded. (Narration)
The ‘small sum of money’ I had hidden under the table, in case they refused or felt burdened… (Bjorn Yandel)
Well, they’ll probably find it soon enough. (Bjorn Yandel)
One day, two days, three days, four days. (Narration)
The sun rose and set outside the curtain. (Narration)
During that time, I continued to meet people, and at the same time, I learned more about the changing state of affairs while I was in my room. (Bjorn Yandel)
And if I were to pick out the most important point among them… (Bjorn Yandel)
‘The Labyrinth still hasn’t opened, as expected.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
It hadn't opened privately like the last time, either. (Bjorn Yandel)
Furthermore, nothing has been decided about the next Labyrinth opening. (Bjorn Yandel)
No, in fact, since there hasn't even been a mention of it to me, I think it will remain closed for now… (Bjorn Yandel)
‘It won’t be long.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
I believe the Labyrinth will open again soon. (Bjorn Yandel)
This city is running out of Magic Stones, so they will surely need a solution quickly. (Bjorn Yandel)
Also, it won’t be a private opening next time. (Bjorn Yandel)
After all, didn’t 90% of the High-Rank Explorers fail to return from this incident? (Bjorn Yandel)
‘I should hurry a little.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
With that in mind, I also met with Armin. (Bjorn Yandel)
In fact, I had already met him to report my survival, but that was a purely private meeting. (Bjorn Yandel)
“…Us, in the Anabada Clan?” (Armin)
“Yes, I know it’s sudden. But it won’t be a bad offer. You and I… we’ve both suffered a huge gap in our forces from this incident. You’re not going to quit being an explorer, are you?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“That’s certainly… true, but…” (Armin)
Armin, hearing the recruitment offer, looked as if he hadn't expected it at all. (Narration)
‘This guy’s problem is his lack of confidence.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
In fact, Armin is the best talent for me. (Bjorn Yandel)
His skills are beyond question, and his loyalty was proven during this collapse. (Bjorn Yandel)
And is that all? (Bjorn Yandel)
“I have no intention of deceiving you, so I’ll be frank. My final destination is the Underground First Floor.” (Bjorn Yandel)
Armin even has experience exploring the Underground First Floor. (Bjorn Yandel)
Of course, when Armin heard this, he looked puzzled as to why I wanted to go back there… (Bjorn Yandel)
But when I honestly confessed all my reasons for wanting to go to the Underground First Floor, a surprisingly positive reaction came back. (Bjorn Yandel)
“That could certainly be the case… I understand why you’ve come to that conclusion, Viscount.” (Armin)
I think this is the first time someone hasn't looked at me with pity when I said this. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Anyway, don’t answer right away. Think it over.” (Bjorn Yandel)
The business talk ended there, and afterward, we just exchanged some everyday stories. (Bjorn Yandel)
I plan to decide how to form the rest of the team after seeing if they accept. (Bjorn Yandel)
Five days, six days, seven days, eight days… (Narration)
Time continued to fly by. (Narration)
During that period, I met people every day and dealt with the tasks that had been postponed during the time I had spent away. (Bjorn Yandel)
Ah, there were also those who came to see me first. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Yandel…! I heard the story! You overcame it well? Hahaha, I believed in you!” (Guild Master)
The Guild Master, Iria Adnus. (Narration)
“B-by the way, you seem to have been very busy! I sent you mail a few times, but there was no reply…! Hahaha…” (Guild Master)
Of course there wasn’t. (Bjorn Yandel)
Because of what happened, this old man was on Misha’s bad side. (Bjorn Yandel)
If I get caught hanging out with him now, I might get a scolding. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Just the main point.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Soon, a hearing for my dismissal will be held. The other Regional Chiefs are already competing and campaigning as if my dismissal is a done deal…!” (Guild Master)
“So?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Could you… perhaps speak about me publicly? The explorers hang on your every word, don’t they? Just a few words, like how my help was crucial in getting your name on the Stone of Honor…” (Guild Master)
“The price?” (Bjorn Yandel)
“The Dragon Heart! I’ll give you what I promised then!” (Guild Master)
After a moment of thought, I coolly accepted. (Bjorn Yandel)
Well, Misha might be a bit disgusted if she heard this story. (Bjorn Yandel)
Still, it is right to separate public and private matters. (Bjorn Yandel)
After all, I can get a Dragon Heart just by saying a few words? (Bjorn Yandel)
There is no reason not to. (Bjorn Yandel)
Besides, to break through the Immortal Engraving later, a Shaman’s healing is the top priority. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Haha, then I’ll be counting on you!” (Guild Master)
And so, time passed again. (Narration)
—
Ten days, a fortnight, a month… (Narration)
By now, my schedule was somewhat organized, and I was spending most of my time at the Holy Land, examining my new abilities. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Bjorn! Where are you going so early in the morning?” (Ainar)
“I might be late getting back from the Imperial Capital, so don’t wait for me for dinner, eat first.” (Bjorn Yandel)
“Alright! But try to come back as soon as possible! Misha said she’s grilling meat today! And she said she won’t put any carrots in it!” (Ainar)
Hmm, then I should come back early. (Bjorn Yandel)
For the first time in a while, I left the Holy Land and headed for the Imperial Capital Karnon. (Bjorn Yandel)
The Captain of the Anabada Clan. (Narration)
The Tribe Chief of the Barbarian Tribe. (Narration)
Today, instead of these two titles, I had to handle the overdue work as ‘Viscount Yandel.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
Therefore… (Bjorn Yandel)
“It is an honor to see you, Viscount. Please enter.” (Palace Guard)
I took a military magic circle and went straight to Karnon, entering the Royal Palace. (Bjorn Yandel)
No, to be precise, I entered the Palace of Wisdom. (Bjorn Yandel)
‘It’s been a while since I was here too.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
A regular Royal Family council is held here today. (Narration)
I couldn’t participate last time because I was in my room, and considering that I had to go around gathering information myself because of it, I absolutely had to attend this time. (Bjorn Yandel)
‘Today’s meeting should give me some direction.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
A wide variety of topics come up at the Royal Family council. (Narration)
And I’m sure the main topic of this meeting will be what to do with the Labyrinth from now on. (Bjorn Yandel)
The unopened Labyrinth. (Narration)
The resulting sharp decline in the Magic Stone reserves. (Narration)
The greatly reduced number of High-Rank Explorers. (Narration)
These are the most urgent tasks Rafdonia must solve right now, and in fact, it has long passed the point of just having our feet to the fire. (Bjorn Yandel)
If a little more time passes, the situation will spread uncontrollably. (Bjorn Yandel)
Isn’t that already evident just by looking at the streets? (Bjorn Yandel)
Events like doomsday theorists, cults, and riots are popping up one after another. (Narration)
“I extend my gratitude to you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
Soon, as I sat in my designated seat and waited, the (New) Chancellor, Duke Kealunus, appeared. (Narration)
“It has been a truly difficult and worrying month, but this Chancellor believes that if we all put our heads together and unite our wills, we can safely overcome this crisis as well.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
“Nia Rafdonia.” (Noble)
After a brief salute and a moment of silence, the meeting began. (Narration)
But what on earth is going on? (Bjorn Yandel)
“The first agenda item concerns the complete revocation of the title of the House of Baron Rubierre.” (Noble)
…? (Bjorn Yandel)
Why isn’t the Labyrinth being discussed? (Bjorn Yandel)
Ah, is it just because it's the first agenda item that they’re starting with lighter topics? (Bjorn Yandel)
“The second agenda item concerns the new heretical forces rampant in the city… To be precise, it’s about authorizing the Three Gods Church’s request for self-policing of heretics.” (Noble)
For some reason, the second one was similar. (Bjorn Yandel)
Should such a heavy authority really be given to a religion? (Bjorn Yandel)
What if we don’t? (Bjorn Yandel)
The Royal Family currently doesn’t have the capacity to handle it, so it’s better to temporarily hand over the authority and use them like a vigilante group. (Bjorn Yandel)
Such useless opinions were pitted against each other, and a considerable amount of time was spent. (Narration)
And… (Narration)
The third, the fourth, the fifth… (Narration)
No matter what agenda item comes up, the topic I want does not appear. (Bjorn Yandel)
No, beyond not wanting them, they are all trivial. (Bjorn Yandel)
Things like what punishment should be given to a certain baron’s family for embezzling welfare funds. (Narration)
Who to appoint as the next head of the Administrative Office. (Narration)
They want to increase the military budget, but by how much. (Narration)
Even the matter of how to deal with the eldest son of a count’s family who committed a sex crime against a noble lady. (Narration)
‘This is absurd.’ (Bjorn Yandel)
Watching these so-called blue bloods argue with veins popping on their necks over such matters, I truly feel a sense of disillusionment. (Bjorn Yandel)
Are these bastards just parasites eating away at the country? (Bjorn Yandel)
How can not a single one of them properly worry about the future of this country? (Bjorn Yandel)
Shouldn't I be the one who hates this country? (Bjorn Yandel)
The seventh, the eighth, the ninth… (Narration)
The meeting, which only allowed for a short break long enough to go to the restroom, was finally nearing its end. (Narration)
The sun outside the window had long since set. (Narration)
It was when I was starting to get annoyed at the thought that I had wasted the most time this year. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Now, this is the tenth agenda item.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
It would probably be another trivial matter. (Bjorn Yandel)
I, who had been propping my chin up almost dozing off, listening with one ear and letting it out the other, came to my senses. (Bjorn Yandel)
“I would like to talk about the Labyrinth, the foundation and future of this country.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
Right, so it is coming up. (Bjorn Yandel)
Did they deliberately put it at the end because it’s the most important? (Bjorn Yandel)
I straightened my posture and prepared to listen attentively. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Currently, Rafdonia is in an unprecedentedly serious crisis. Due to this Dimensional Collapse, the number of high-ranking explorers has decreased by ninety percent.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
The Chancellor… no, I just can’t get used to calling him that. (Bjorn Yandel)
Duke Kealunus emphasized the current crisis, adding the opinions of experts as evidence. (Narration)
“The Labyrinth Management Office has even provided analysis results that, at this rate, even if the Labyrinth is fully opened, the amount of Magic Stones supplied will not even reach the minimum required for national maintenance.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
In short, it means that if things continue like this, a national bankruptcy will occur. (Bjorn Yandel)
“Therefore, this Chancellor proposes one agenda item to break through the current crisis.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
Phew, fine. (Bjorn Yandel)
If it’s nothing special after all this buildup. (Bjorn Yandel)
I’ll really just flip everything over and walk out…? (Bjorn Yandel)
In the end, the act of flipping everything over and walking out did not happen. (Narration)
Hmm, or maybe not yet? (Bjorn Yandel)
My actions will depend on the Duke’s subsequent response. (Bjorn Yandel)
“…What did you just say? Say it again.” (Bjorn Yandel)
I shot up from my seat and spoke for the first time in this meeting. (Bjorn Yandel)
I really thought I might have misheard. (Bjorn Yandel)
It was that nonsensical. (Bjorn Yandel)
“It is as I said before.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
“…” (Bjorn Yandel)
“This Chancellor is considering signing a complete end-of-war treaty with Noark, and fully accepting all of their forces.” (Chancellor Kealunus)
You’re going to form an alliance with Noark…? (Bjorn Yandel)
