kscans

1

The next morning, when they climbed up the outer wall, all the campers who had been there were completely gone. Every day, they had been sending horses to report the results of the battles, and gradually the number of people had decreased. Most of them had disappeared right after the sixth division’s match had ended. And now, there was no one left.

On this day, the castle gate was opened in the early morning, and there were people who eagerly entered Lordvan Castle. One of them requested a meeting with Bard. This knight, who introduced himself as Viscount Zora Veil, was a messenger from Earl Arflaburne. According to what Bard later heard, he was a high-ranking knight who served as the right-hand man of the right-hand man in charge of Earl Arflaburne’s household, and was also the sixth in line in the entire Fafarlen Marquisate family.

Viscount Zora Veil handed over 800,000 Gale worth of gemstones to Bard. It was the payment for the fur of the demonic beast, the Great Red Bear. The Viscount delivered a message from the Marquis and the Earl to Bard. Then, he invited Bard to the imperial capital of Goriora. Bard declined, saying that he still had unfinished business with the King of Parzam. It seemed that since five months had passed since Bard parted ways with the Fafarlen family, they thought that the matter had already been taken care of. In that case, the Viscount handed over 100,000 Gale to Bard and said, “This is the travel expenses for you to come to Goriora Imperial Kingdom.” It was a large amount for travel expenses, but it was a heartfelt gift from the Fafarlen Marquisate, so Bard gratefully accepted it. The Viscount also handed over an identification certificate issued by the Fafarlen Marquisate. It was a silver medallion with engraved words. It could be used as a pass to go anywhere within the Goriora Imperial Kingdom without the need for tolls or other fees.

The Viscount expressed regret that he couldn’t meet Godon Zarkos. He said, “Would it be possible for him to come to our house, or should we send an envoy to the Mageia territory?” From the perspective of the Goriora Imperial Kingdom, the Mageia territory was as far away as the end of the earth. The sense of distance between the frontier and the central plains was completely different. Bard wondered if they had even heard of it before. They probably didn’t even know where it was. Just going there would be a great adventure. Bard asked if the Viscount also used a battle hammer, to which Viscount gave a strange answer.

“Oh, no. It’s not like that. The noble ladies of our country strongly wish to see the appearances of Sir Rowen, Sir Zarkos, and Sir Karz. Just between us, we have received invitations from the noble ladies who heard that our house is inviting you, and they want to provide the highest level of hospitality when you come. In fact, the first person to make the offer is the most noble lady in the palace.”

Bard wondered why the women of the Goriora Imperial Kingdom were interested in the three of them. He asked Jurchaga if he had any idea. The response was evasive.

“Well, um. Well, it’s hard to explain. Ahahaha.”

Bard felt that there was something going on and demanded an explanation from Jurchaga in a strong tone. Jurchaga reluctantly began to speak.

2 (t/n: from here on imagine Jurchaga is the one speaking)

Well, you know. I told you that after I went to the Goriora Imperial Kingdom, I became a storyteller for Dora’s adventure story, right? I told my own story, but Dora told her own story. Or rather, she first reported to Princess Shernelia’s place. It seems that the princess was deeply impressed. Then, she invited her sister and had Dora tell her adventure journey. The sisters and the court ladies were apparently very impressed.

Then, when the rumors spread, the other princesses started flocking to Princess Shernelia’s place to hear the story. And then, the empresses started inviting Princess Shernelia for tea. With Dora accompanying her.

It seems it was amazing. She was really popular. After all, the harem is their workplace, right? If they invite Princess Shernelia, they will also get an escort. The rumors spread, and the noble ladies and their daughters and other high-ranking women started visiting the royal palace for various reasons. The reason being to hear Dora’s story.

No, no. It’s not like that. You see, it’s like, once you hear it, it’s not enough, or just knowing the summary is enough, it’s not like that. Don’t you understand? Even the village girls are the same. It’s a dream, a maiden’s dream. To see Dora herself telling the story. To feel the romance from Dora’s gaze, tone of voice, and the rhythm of her words. Don’t you understand?

You know, when the Eina people’s troupe comes to the village. The girls get excited, right? Which man’s voice is lovely, or whose posture is sexy. It’s a never-ending longing for a different story from their usual life. Huh? You still don’t get it? Well, forget it.

Anyway, one day, I was called by Marquis Karieem’s wife. She wanted to hear the story.

No, no. It’s not like that. I became a quasi-noble, and I was treated as a guest in the Fafarlen Marquisate family. I wasn’t just being sent here and there. But this Marquis Karieem’s wife is special. She’s the sister-in-law of Marquis Fafarlen’s sister’s husband. She’s from a duke’s family and has various connections. You could call it the social circle, right? She’s like the general of the upper-class nobles in the imperial capital. Marquis Fafarlen himself asked me directly, sorry to trouble you, but could you go, Sir Jurchaga. I’m accompanying you, a noble from above the clouds. Well, I’m also a great thief.

So, when I was called, I was led to a splendid room. I was made to sit on a shiny chair. They served tea and sweets. They were delicious. And then, they asked me various things.

Huh? What did they ask? Hmm. First, they asked about Master Bard’s height. So, I stood up and explained by raising my hand like this. This is about the height, I said. Then they asked about the color of Bard’s hair. And the length and texture of his hair.

What about the mustache and beard? What shape are they? What about the physique and the shape of the fingers? What color and how is the blessed leather armor that he wears? Huh? No, I don’t know about that. Anyway, that’s how it is. Master Bard wears a blessed leather armor that he received from the gods.

They also asked about your voice and how you looks when you gaze into the distance. How you sweeps your cape. How you looks when you rides a horse.

No, really. I’m telling the truth. They asked me about those things in great detail. Don’t you understand? It’s different for men and women.

They asked me about Master Godon and Master Karz in great detail too. They even had nicknames for them. The “Knight of Thunder Hammer” and the “Knight of Swift Wind.” At first, I didn’t know who they were talking about. They asked about their appearance, voice, clothes, gestures, favorite colors, favorite foods. I explained it as best as I could.

While listening to that, Marquis Karieem’s wife, you know. She crossed her hands in front of her chest. Her eyes sparkled. She nodded at everything I said. Sometimes she looked up. Then she sighed. Shook her head. Her face turned red. And then, she said something like this.

3 (Marquis Kareem Wife turn)

Oh, poor Princess Doriatessa. For the sake of her beloved lord, she wrapped her womanly heart in a silver armor and ventured into the frontier where monsters roam. Betrayed by the trusted knights, she was poisoned and on the verge of death. Oh, what a tragedy.

But then, Bard appeared as if by magic. With his height held high, his back straight. His divine silver hair and beard swaying in the wind. Clad in a blessed armor, he sat firmly on his divine horse. And by his side was the mighty war god Zarkos, as if he were the thunder god himself. And the fierce and beautiful swordsman Karz, like the half-god, half-beast hero Scarlar.

Just imagining the moment when Doriatessa was saved by these three heroes from her predicament. Oh! Oh! My heart is pounding uncontrollably!

And Doriatessa, being humbled by the three heroes, went to defeat the demonic beast. A gigantic Great Red Bear, unlike anything in legend. Doriatessa struck its weak point with the help of the three heroes! The demonic beast, gasping for its last breath, attacked Doriatessa. But Bard, with just one swing, cut off its head. Oh, it’s suffocating just to imagine it.

My husband and son carefully inspected the beast’s head and fur. It was clearly cut off with a single blow, something that couldn’t be done by a human. Master Bard (Bard-danna) wears a mysterious sword at his waist. Oh, I would love to meet him. When you come to this capital, please visit my humble abode.

By the way, Karz-sama is said to be as graceful and elegant as a white panther or a silver fox. With skin as velvety as the night, more exotic and beautiful than the Eina people. And so, um. Have you, by any chance, touched Karz-sama’s skin?

4 (Jurchaga again)

Hey, Karz. Can you stop looking at me like that? I didn’t say it. It’s all coming from Dora.

Apparently, when Dora talks about the “Three Pillars of Heroes,” she describes their beauty and strength with the passion of a girl longing for a myth or a maiden yearning for love.

I was surprised when I heard from Marquis Karieem’s wife. Guess what scene is the most popular among the ladies? It’s when Karz takes a bath in a waterfall and then lies on a rocky ledge. To Dora, it seemed like a scene from a myth. A swordsman with a beast-like beauty, wearing nothing but the wind. She vividly described that scene.

And then, Marquis Karieem’s wife asked me how the three of them felt about Dora. She said Master Bard sees her as a daughter, Master Godon sees her as a niece, and Karz should see her as a sister.

No, I did use that wording. But it seems like she’s interpreting it in her own way. She’s just like that.

5

Well, yes. That’s certainly true. That’s exactly what happened. Rowen-sama, Zarkos-sama, and Karz-sama all cherished the lovely and elegant Doriatessa.

However, Doriatessa made a petition to be granted the strength to win in the martial arts competition. Karz-sama, with love in his heart, sternly guided Doriatessa. Every time he struck her, it must have pained Karz-sama’s heart like driving a wedge into it. Oh, what a situation!

Suppressing their longing for each other, they faced each other with their swords. Oh, the thought of it makes my heart ache.

So then, Jurchaga. I was wondering if you could tell me in secret.　Which of the three is Doriatessa’s true love?

6

Indeed, Bard finally realized that he himself was also under suspicion. So, he scolded Jurchaga, saying that he and Doriatessa have a significant age difference and it would be impossible for them to be romantic partners.

“What are you saying, Master? That’s why it’s good, isn’t it? It’s because of the love that burns across the age difference that it’s so poignant. Besides, it’s not like I’m saying you’re like a forest god or something, but if you listen to the story a little, you’ll understand, won’t you?”

Bard said that it would be clear if he listened to the story a little, as he was just an old knight who had left a small village.

“No, that’s not it. It’s not about that. They want to indulge in fantasies. Facts don’t matter. It’s about romance, you know?”

Bard didn’t quite understand what he meant. It only became clear that he absolutely must not go to the Goriora Imperial Kingdom. However, he had already promised to visit the Fafarlen Marquisate family in the imperial capital after parting ways with Arflaburne. He had even received travel expenses.

Bard looked at Karz. Despite hearing embarrassing rumors all this time, his expression remained unchanged. He was as calm as ever. Even though he had been involved in such gossip, was this man really unaffected? Bard was impressed by his composure.

Then, an idea came to him. He could appoint Karz as his representative. Karz was his adopted son and heir. He would be a perfect representative. By appointing this man as his representative, he could keep his promise without breaking it. In fact, it was this man who found the demonic beast and taught Doriatessa the sword. He was more suitable for this role than Bard himself. Even if he was asked various questions, he wouldn’t be able to answer them well, but that wouldn’t be a problem. Come to think of it, this man saved Doriatessa from danger. Yes, this man should take responsibility.

“Karz. Will you go to the Goriora Imperial Kingdom in my place?” asked Bard.

“No, I won’t go!”

Karz shouted loudly in response and left the room. He didn’t seem completely unaffected after all.

7

Doriatessa came in as a replacement. She enthusiastically talked about how wonderful Bard’s song was yesterday, her eyes sparkling. Bard had a bad feeling about this. He wondered if this girl would cause trouble again when she returned to her country.

When the singing competition was on the verge of turning into a brawl, Lord Rowen stood up and sang a lost masterpiece. The knights in the audience stopped fighting and embraced each other, moved to tears by the song. Lord Rowen’s singing voice resounded with a clear and powerful sound, as if the kingdom of the gods was unfolding before their eyes.

Or so they say. Bard didn’t want to add any more legends. He told Doriatessa not to talk about the song when she returned to her country.

“Why? Was it a secret? Of course, Bard-sama. I will keep your artistry a secret.”

It seemed like he had only added to the misunderstanding, but if she would keep silent, that was fine. There was something else that bothered him. When Doriatessa returned to her country, she would be relieved of her duties as a knight accompanying Princess Shernelia and return to the Marquis of Fafarlen family. Then, she would be exposed to her brother’s lustful gaze again. Bard asked her about it indirectly. She replied,

“Princess Shernelia will probably spread the word that I will be called to Parzam Kingdom as an instructor. I will be stationed at the palace to prepare for that, so I’m grateful for that point. If I go to Parzam, I will have a year or two of time. If any problems arise, I will follow the method that Jurchaga taught me. He really taught me a good method. It will cause even more trouble for Bard-sama and the others. I am truly grateful.”

And then,

“I’m looking forward to meeting you at the royal palace in Parzam Kingdom. Bard-sama. Let’s say goodbye for now. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, Godon-sama, Karz-sama, and Jurchaga.”

She said her farewell and left, bowing as a knight. Well, now their destination was decided, Bard thought. They had to go south no matter what. After finishing their business in Parzam Kingdom, they would cross Ova again. They would see Godon Zarkos’ faces and then head north to Fyuza. They would never go to the Goriora Imperial Kingdom while they were alive. They would probably die before that. They didn’t know what would happen after that. Bard felt relieved after making that decision.

(End of Chapter 3 “Frontier Martial Arts Tournament”)