kscans

1

“What a beautiful view,” thought Bard to himself. The scenery of the capital city, seen from Mount Tobakuni, was unlike anything he had ever seen or imagined before. The sheer density of the residences was unbelievable. It was a testament to the large number of people living in this city. The number of people represented the power of the country. The strength of the Parzam Kingdom was something that a knight from the frontier, like Bard, couldn’t even fathom.

Tepetabaaru e Raichi, also known as the “City of Heavenly Milk.” The palace, Kyuujou, which could be seen directly in front from Mount Tobakuni, was as pure as its name implied. Its grandeur and magnificence seemed as if the Kamukura, the seat of the gods in the Gardegat Ryan (Garden of the Gods), had been brought down to earth. It wasn’t just the palace that made abundant use of the local specialty, hakukiseki (white luminous stone). The surrounding Izaneru, the residences of the knight nobles, also used it extensively. As a result, the boundary between Frae, the residential area of the wealthy commoners, and the Izaneru was surprisingly distinct from this distance. The commoners were not allowed to use the luminous stone in their buildings. Each and every one of these buildings showcased the opulence and craftsmanship that was unimaginable in the frontier, indicating the wealth that resided here. In contrast, the boundary between Frae and Yue, the residential area of the lower-class commoners, was vague. Even within Frae, the closer it was to Izaneru, the more splendid the houses, while the residents in the areas bordering Yue were hardly distinguishable from lower-class commoners.

“Splash!”

Bard scooped up the hot spring water with his right hand and let it rest on his left shoulder. He closed his eyes, looked up at the sky, and savored the pleasant sensation. The touch of the smooth jade stone on his buttocks and back was delightful.

“It seems your skin has become accustomed to the hot water, and your blood circulation has settled. Shall we bring you some food and drink now?”

Barry Toad, the senior priest, said so and gave instructions to the servant with a glance. Bard thought he should be grateful to King Wendelland for choosing this person as his host.

Bard Rowen was a knight who had dedicated his life to slaying demonic beasts that invaded through the cracks in the Great Barrier, far to the east in the frontier. He had given up all his possessions and embarked on a journey to help his fallen lord. The journey, which was supposed to be a search for a place to die, gave this old knight the will to live. But it wasn’t just that. It gave him a new sword, a horse, friends, a family, and connections with many people.

His scarred body was flushed and warmed by the heat of the hot spring. A goblet placed on a wooden board was presented in front of Bard. When Bard took it, Barry Toad, who was soaking in the hot spring next to him, said with a friendly smile, “I should have brought the next one, but please forgive me for the informal service.” He lightly clinked his goblet against Bard’s. It was a mixture of red wine and cold water. Bard intended to take a small sip, but the pleasant sensation was so overwhelming that he ended up gulping it down. The servant promptly offered him another board, on which Bard placed his goblet. The servant poured wine from a jar onto the board, making it easy to reach. Bard’s mood was further improved by the skillful service.

It had been almost two years since it was now July, when Bard retired from the Tercia family and set out on his journey. About two months after that, he met Barry Toad. So his acquaintance with this clergyman was less than two years. Moreover, they had only met face to face for a few days. And yet, this person felt like an old friend to Bard. He could sense that the feeling was mutual, and that made him happy.

Tomorrow was the day he would finally have an audience with King Wendelland. Bard didn’t know what business the king had with him, but he had things he wanted to say and ask the king as well.

“Just wait for me, Your Majesty.”

Bard shivered.

“Well, well. I never expected Jurchaga to be employed by Lord Rowen. I’ve never heard such an interesting story before,” Barry Toad said, and it was no wonder. Two years ago, when he was just a priest and hadn’t yet taken on the important role of a councilor, Barry Toad had been sent as an envoy to the eastern frontier of the continent. Barry Toad, who had fallen ill and was on the verge of death, was given medicine and nursed back to health by Bard. The next day, a thief broke into the lodging of the imperial envoy. He had planned to drug everyone and steal valuable items, but Bard caught him. The thief turned out to be Jurchaga, also known as Gora Cesara (Rotten Flesh Hunter), who had recently gained notoriety in the region.

Jurchaga, who had been expelled from his village, now found himself running errands under Bard’s command a month later. Barry Toad couldn’t help but wonder why he obediently followed Bard’s orders, even holding his neck tightly.

So, when Barry Toad learned that Jurchaga was accompanying Bard into the Parzam Kingdom, he was greatly surprised. Hearing about Jurchaga’s journey from being an enemy of Bard while working for the Gwendell family, to becoming his ally, and the adventures they had together, Barry Toad was even more astonished. Learning that Jurchaga had accompanied Doriatessa to the imperial capital of Goriora, where he even had an audience with the emperor himself and was granted a quasi-noble status, left Barry Toad dumbfounded.

Jurchaga pleaded with Barry Toad to treat him as a servant. With mischievous delight, Barry Toad agreed. Since then, Jurchaga wandered around the royal capital of Parzam in shabby attire, sometimes not returning to the Toad household.

It was at the Toad household that Bard was assigned to stay. Barry Toad’s true name was Barry Anquizigar Toad, a senior priest. Although he was the eldest son of the Toad family, he had relinquished his inheritance to devote himself to serving the gods. Despite being eligible for a position in the prestigious temple of the “Special District,” he chose to enter the temple in the “Lower District” and run an orphanage.

The entire Mount Tobakuni was a hot spring. Hot water gushed out everywhere, flowing over the milky-white rocks. Pools formed and overflowed into lower pools. Strangely, the water had a blue hue. It was a hot spring mountain that any noble could use for free. The eight servants accompanying Bard and Barry Toad were all graduates of Barry Toad’s orphanage. It seemed to be the most promising and highly regarded employment opportunity. The two of them used a pool located near the summit, in the highest position.

“At times like this, there’s no need to use the privileges of a privy councilor,” Barry Toad laughed. They had left their horses at the foot of the mountain and ascended in a carriage with wheels (t/n: a palanquin). Bard had insisted on climbing on foot, but Barry Toad shook his head gently.

Yes, they must make these people work. Money obtained without labor is no different from a bribe. If they live by labor, they can have pride. Yes, Barry Toad is truly kind.

When they finished their second glass of wine, a wooden board was presented to them. On top of it was a plate with meat and vegetables. It was a dish brought from the Toad household. Barry Toad, the senior priest, ate the food with his hands. Following suit, Bard picked up a piece of meat.

“Oohhhhh!”

What a delicious taste. This is beef. It looks raw, but it isn’t. Kamler wouldn’t bother making such a thing for a bento. It’s probably from the side of the spine. But this flavor… As he savored the deep taste while chewing, he sensed a faint smoky aroma. That’s when he realized the true nature of the dish. They had smoked the meat from the side of the spine and cut out only the red part in the middle. It was frustrating, but he couldn’t help but admit that it was delicious.

Wondering what to do with his dirty fingers, Bard saw that Barry Toad was rinsing his fingers in the overflowing hot water and followed suit.

2

Kamler was the cook of the Toad household. For nobles, banquets were just as much a battlefield of diplomacy. To gain an advantage and secure profit and honor in dealings with other families, the quality of food and wine was crucial. The head cook of a noble family could be considered a general on this diplomatic battlefield. Just as a precious gem for a lord is a general who can always win on the battlefield, a skilled head cook is an invaluable presence.

However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a great general is a person of character.

From the beginning, Kamler and Barry Toad didn’t get along well. The head chef of the Toad household boasted of being a master chef who could prepare any dish upon request. When the head of the Toad family told Bard this, Bard replied that he wanted to eat a dish called “Pran” that was mixed with raw Colcordur eggs. After a while, the head chef, Kamler, appeared in the dining room. His manner of speaking was very refined and polite, but it could also be described as excessively formal and polite. In summary, it went like this:

“Colcordur eggs are truly wonderful ingredients, but if you eat them raw, you never know what kind of illness you might get. Besides, eating bird eggs raw is something only animals do, not humans, let alone knights. Cooking Pran with water is a barbaric way of doing things, so it’s not something you should openly talk about eating.”

Bard became annoyed and said that he had only answered because he was asked what dish he wanted to eat, but did this mean that they couldn’t make a dish that suited his taste at the Toad household? This was a very disrespectful remark towards the head of the Toad family, who allowed such impoliteness from the head chef. Bard thought this. Kamler, with a faint smile, replied:

“No, no. There are no ingredients that we cannot prepare at the Toad household. Furthermore, I don’t think there are any dishes that we, as chefs, cannot make using human techniques. It is our duty, as entrusted by the master, to fully understand and accommodate our guests’ requests and provide the best hospitality. If you allow me, I will explain the intention behind it.”

Saying that, Kamler stepped back into the kitchen. Soon, the dishes were served. First, there were two plates. The dishes were delicately arranged on pretentious plates. One of them was an egg dish. It had been cooked and mixed. But this…

Bard scooped it up with a silver spoon. There was no mistake. Chopped Magaridake mushrooms were mixed in. He couldn’t help but bring it to his mouth because of its delightful aroma.

“Delicious!”

What a delicious taste. And the eggs, some parts were cooked while others were close to raw, making it truly complex and enjoyable. The cooked parts were not at all hard. Surprisingly fluffy and fragrant. Ah, and the sweetness. What a rich aroma. Bard didn’t know that Colcordur eggs emitted such a sweet fragrance. It was because when cooking these eggs, they used extremely high-quality Bouille Ou, which is oil extracted from cow’s milk. But even so, the heat control was exquisite.

It was still strange. On the way from Lordvan Castle to here, Bard had eaten dishes with Colcordur eggs cooked in Bouille Ou many times. It seemed to be a dish that was very familiar to the nobles in the central plains. Bard learned that Colcordur eggs were very sensitive to odors. Other ingredients’ smells would easily transfer to them. Mixing them with strongly scented mushrooms like Magaridake would likely result in an unpleasant smell, but there was none of that. Bard chewed on the Magaridake and understood the reason. The Magaridake had been quickly stir-fried first to seal in the aroma. The Magaridake was crisp and hadn’t lost any of its flavor. Yet, the mixed-in eggs were still just eggs. It was frustrating, but there was no other way to describe it than as a splendid technique.

To make matters worse, the neighboring plate had cooked Pran on it. Despite mocking it as a barbarian’s food, Bard took a spoonful and tasted it.

“What is this?”

There was no watery texture that usually came with cooked Pran. It was crispy, bouncy, and each grain was firm. What a satisfying texture. The taste that seeped in, what a delightful sweetness. This was not cooked Pran. Moreover, there wasn’t a single piece of meat in it, yet it had the flavor of seared meat. Bard wanted to know. He wanted to know the cooking method.

Should he ask Kamler? No. No, no, no, no. It was unthinkable to bow down to him and ask for his knowledge. Bard would uncover the secret of this dish with his own palate. “Watch me, Kamler.”

However, Bard’s palate did not possess the capabilities he had hoped for. In the end, he still didn’t know the cooking method. But there was no need to worry. After the meal, Kamler himself came to explain. Bard thought that if he wanted to explain from his side, he had the generosity to listen. So he listened to the explanation.

It turned out that the Pran had not been cooked, but rather, it had been seared. In a hot pot, Kamler heated up some Bouille Ou (milk oil/butter) and added raw Pran. Carefully stirring to avoid burning, he gradually poured in the foamed milk oil that had been heated multiple times. In another hot pot, he heated up plenty of Kyupu oil. He quickly added smoked beef ribs, removing the outer layer to transfer the aroma. After removing the meat, he transferred half of the Pran he had started making earlier into this pot to infuse it with a strong fragrance. Finally, he quickly mixed the Pran from both pots together. And thus, the simple yet complex seared Pran was complete.

The taste of eating this with Magaridake eggs was exceptional. In other words, it could be said that this was a kind of Pran with eggs. The subsequent dishes that followed were all exquisite. Bard learned that Kamler was incredibly skilled in using milk oil. This milk oil was something special. Kamler only fed the chosen cows a specific type of grass. Moreover, it seemed that he adjusted the preparation of the milk oil depending on the dish.

However, the most astonishing dish arrived last. After the meal was finished, Kamler said, “Allow me to bring you the final dessert.” Bard had never heard of the term “ice confectionery” before. On a very small plate sat a tiny dumpling-like object. When Bard scooped it into his mouth with the accompanying small spoon, the impact he felt would stay with him for the rest of his life.

That dish was literally made of ice. And it was in the middle of summer. But it wasn’t just ordinary ice. It was a heavenly nectar, solidified into snow-like ice with the deliciousness of various fruits. The joy of the supreme and refreshing taste melting in his mouth and sliding down his throat was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Bard couldn’t help but feel like crying. He realized that there was such incredible deliciousness that he had never known before. Surely, there were still many delicious things in the world that he didn’t know about. His heart was filled with the joy of discovering the vastness of the world.

Seeing Bard’s dumbfounded expression, Kamler smirked and politely excused himself. This was the event that took place on Bard’s first night at the Toad residence. From this day on, Bard’s battle with Kamler began. Bard lost every single battle.

On the third night, the following exchange took place. Bard said to Kamler, who had appeared in the explanation of the dishes, “All the dishes in this house are delicious, except for the bread.” Bard had traveled through many countries and stayed in numerous mansions after leaving Lordvan Castle, and every bread he had tasted was incredibly delicious. Compared to that, the bread at the Toad residence felt slightly lacking. Kamler responded in a tone that resembled teaching a child.

“Lord Bard Rowen, I can make delicious bread as much as you want. However, the bread used as an accompaniment to the dishes should not be too delicious. Do you understand? The meat dish earlier was made with a very flavorful meat, and it was served with a sauce that could match its strong taste. If I were to serve bread that surpasses the taste of that meat and sauce, the taste of the meat would become dull. That wouldn’t be good bread. So, what makes good bread? Even if you eat fish with a distinctive taste or meat with strong seasoning, just by eating a slice of that bread, your mouth will be cleansed, and your taste buds will regain their sensitivity, making every subsequent bite taste fresh. That is what good bread is. But it doesn’t stop there. If you dip that bread into the broth that comes from the ingredients, you can taste the true deliciousness of those ingredients. It enhances the ingredients without overpowering or killing them, bringing out their best flavors. That is what good bread is. A sword and a shield have different roles. Saying that the bread at dinner lacks flavor is the same as saying the shield’s sharpness is poor. If you were to say that elsewhere, you would be laughed at by children. However, for the sake of your honor, I dare to say this. Of course, I am still in the middle of my training, so I cannot compare to the bread that gods consume in Gardegat Ryan. Please forgive any points that do not meet your satisfaction.”

He appeared humble, yet not really humble at all. Saying that his bread might not compare to heavenly bread was essentially saying that there was no bread on earth that could surpass it. However, upon reflection, Kamler’s bread was indeed that kind of bread. In this situation, Kamler’s victory was undeniable. Moreover, to Bard’s frustration, thanks to Kamler’s teachings, he had become able to savor his meals even more deeply from the next day onwards.

3

Whether it was the wine coursing through his body or the warmth enveloping him, Bard’s face began to glisten with sweat. He scooped up the bluish water with both hands and splashed it onto his face. Then, he rubbed his face with both hands. He scooped up the water again and splashed it onto his face once more.

A cloth for wiping off sweat was placed on a wooden board and pushed towards him. Bard wiped his face and beard thoroughly, then placed the cloth back on the board. The gentle breeze felt pleasant.

Mount Tobakuni was made of milky white stone. Since milky white stone was considered sacred, commoners were not allowed to set foot on it. The servants who had come with the Toad family were waiting at the foot of the mountain. The hot springs that flowed down from Mount Tobakuni created several pools at the base. While waiting, they could soak in the hot springs there. Horses were naturally not allowed on the mountain either. Yueitan, who had brought Bard, and the horses pulling the carriage were given high-quality fodder and were relaxing. Barry Toad and Bard would spend the night at the summit, so the servants could enjoy the hot springs leisurely while eating their packed lunches.

A wooden board with dishes on it was presented in front of Bard. One of the dishes caught his eye. It was boiled Pod potatoes. It was a dish that had surprised him greatly during the previous night’s dinner.

Both Pod potatoes and the diced onions mixed in with them were common vegetables often seen in the frontier. They were both resilient to both heat and cold, and grew well even in barren land. Bard had been familiar with them since he was young.

However, when Pod potatoes were boiled in oil, they transformed into a completely different dish. When Bard had first tasted boiled Pod potatoes on a ship that had come from Himaya, he couldn’t help but exclaim at its incredible deliciousness. But the Toad family’s dish, prepared by Kamler, was on a completely different level. It was still boiled in oil, but he couldn’t fathom how it could turn out like this. When he asked about the cooking method after eating, he was astonished by the extent they went to.

First, a generous amount of Bouille Ou (beef milk oil) was put into a pot and brought to a boil. Once the temperature was sufficiently high, the sliced Pod potatoes were added and boiled. When the surface of the potatoes turned a fox-like color, they were quickly scooped out and drained in a colander.

In another pot, fresh Bouille Ou was put in and heated to a low temperature. The potatoes were added and cooked slowly. However, they must not be cooked for too long.

In a flat pan, Bouille Ou was melted and finely chopped onions were added and sautéed until they became soft. Kamler said that onions become three times sweeter when cooked. The cooked potatoes were then mixed with the onions. When the potatoes and onions were well combined, finely chopped Peris leaves were added to complete the dish.

The idea of boiling in oil was already considered a luxury in the frontier. And to think they used precious beef milk oil. Bard felt weak in the knees when he heard about it. Moreover, the fact that they boiled it twice in different temperatures of Bouille Ou was a cooking method that only noble families in powerful nations would come up with.

Ah, but the taste…

If he had heard the explanation beforehand, he would have thought it would be a greasy and heavy dish. However, in reality, it had a refreshing taste. The surface had a firm texture, and when chewed, a deep sweetness spread in his mouth.

Pod potatoes had a unique watery and faintly grassy taste. This was especially true when boiled in water. Even when boiled in Chalia oil, the soft part inside still retained a slight watery texture.

But this dish had none of that. The Bouille Ou that had seeped into the potatoes mixed with the potato’s contents, creating a concentrated mass of umami. And since the outside had been boiled first, the umami didn’t escape anywhere. The crisp texture combined with the softness and sweetness of the diced onions, creating a harmonious and exquisite flavor. And against the sweetness of the Pod potatoes and onions, the finely chopped Peris leaves sprinkled on top added an accent, giving the dish a crisp finish. Peris leaves, if eaten alone, were nothing more than a bitter leaf. However, when mixed into this dish, they retained their Peris flavor while becoming a wonderful flavor in their own right.

“It is an extremely simple procedure for cooking, but it is a perfected procedure and combination,” Kamler said. Indeed, that was true. This combination, distribution, and procedure were flawless and unchangeable. Kamler, who discovered this, was a person blessed with special favor from the gods. Bard couldn’t help but wonder why the gods had bestowed such talent upon someone like him.

However, cooking itself was not a sin. There was no sin in these potatoes, onions, or peppers. In fact, the credit for this delicious dish belonged to the potatoes, onions, peppers, and Bouille Ou. Kamler was merely assisting in bringing out their flavors. Food was a gift from the gods and should be savored properly. Even though it had cooled down, it had a different taste compared to when it was warm. Oh, what a delightful aroma! Bard was immersed in the taste of bliss. As he savored the dish, he reminisced about the journey from leaving Lordvan Castle to arriving in the capital.

4

The one who guided Bard was Count Massimosanbo Hasok. Although he was a Count, he had no territory and was not a knight. In the Parzam Kingdom, they had been granting noble titles to civil servants for a long time in order to open up the path for their appointment. They didn’t grant land or the right to become a lord, but they gave them the same status as titled nobles. The king provided them with mansions and salaries. Furthermore, since the time of the previous king, they had also employed generals through salaries. They were sometimes given formal noble titles as well. However, if they were knights, they could become lords, so the path to becoming a noble with land corresponding to their formal title was open to them. This system would gradually change over time.

Count Massimosanbo was a ceremonial official, holding the second highest position. The ceremonial officials were responsible for all the rituals at the court and held an important position. The Hasok family had protected this position for generations. Among them, Count Massimosanbo was said to be a civil servant with extensive knowledge and expertise in etiquette, ceremonies, and the history of various countries.

As soon as Julelan was welcomed to the capital as the king’s son, Count Massimosanbo was assigned as one of his educators. He taught Julelan etiquette, the country’s system, and its history. This time, Julelan accompanied him on a journey to various countries in the central plains and influential cities within the country before the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament. It was to provide necessary knowledge and assess his progress. It seemed that Julelan was not fond of this person, as he wanted to prove that his manners had reached the level of approval and essentially graduate from his teachings. And so, he asked him to take care of Bard, who would be meeting the king upon entering the capital. Shortly after accompanying Count Massimosanbo, Bard realized,

“Julelan, you’ve pushed this onto me.”

He wasn’t a bad person, but he was too strict and unforgiving. Count Massimosanbo enthusiastically educated Bard. He taught him everything from dining etiquette, walking, entering and exiting rooms, to the manners and exchanges between nobles. The court’s etiquette varied depending on the occasion and social status, making it incredibly complex. Additionally, upon realizing that Bard lacked knowledge of the customs and artifacts of the central continent, he taught him about that as well. He also taught him about the history of various countries.

Bard was at a loss and told him that he only needed to be taught the necessary etiquette for meeting the king, as he was only going to meet His Majesty. In response, Count Massimosanbo said that it was already certain that Julelan would be crowned as the crown prince, and it was certain that Bard, who was his tutor, would be granted a title higher than a count. For the honor of the king and the crown prince, he insisted that Bard should learn the etiquette and knowledge of the upper-class nobility properly. His words were polite, but his attitude was resolute and unwavering. Later, Bard learned that the title of count had become synonymous with stubbornness within the palace.

That’s not all. The count also held the rank of priest. Upon further consideration, it was inconvenient for positions that specialized in ceremonies to not have priests or higher-ranking clergy, as there were some rituals in the palace that could only be performed by clergy of higher rank.

When he learned that the guardian deity of Bard was Patara Poza, his eyes sparkled, and he began to explain the doctrine in great detail. Bard was flustered. He had originally chosen this unpopular god of darkness precisely because there were no priests who preached its doctrine. Bard despised both the priests who preached the teachings of the gods and the teachings themselves. He believed that gods were not meant to be understood through logic, but rather felt in one’s heart. He claimed to study the latest doctrines from the priests occasionally dispatched from the Mercano Temple. Since there had been no opportunity to talk about Patara Poza until now, Bard was the perfect target.

5

The princess of the Goriora Empire and her knights set off on April 10th. Karz accompanied them. When Bard asked Karz to visit the Goriora Empire and the Marquis Fafarlen’s family in his place, he initially refused, but it seems he changed his mind. Doriatessa and Viscount Zola Veil were delighted. As they bid farewell, Bard told Karz to take care. It’s meant to bid a proper farewell, but Karz replied, “Yes, I won’t be late.” The next day, Julelan and his group departed. They headed southwest towards the city of Taliolard, located at the easternmost point of the Parzam Kingdom. The day after that, Bard and his group set off. The party consisted of Bard, two knights, the Count, six attendants, and the eleventh, Jurchaga. Jurchaga, who used to immediately change into his finest attire upon reuniting, was now dressed in humble servant’s clothing, as if he had obtained it from somewhere. When asked what happened to those clothes, he simply replied that he sold them. Apparently, he had obtained a quasi-noble status in the Goriora Empire, but for some reason, he was behaving as Bard’s servant.

He seemed to want to keep his quasi-noble status a secret, and Bard found it strange why he would do such a thing, but he soon realized why after they began their journey. If it were known that he was a quasi-noble, he would have been subjected to the Count’s strict training alongside Bard. Truly, he was a man with a high ability to avoid danger.

The group headed straight west, in the direction of the Gaineria Kingdom. When Bard first heard this, he hesitated. Jog Ward was in Gaineria. He was a knight who fought Bard and was determined to defeat him and take his life. For some reason, he was serving as a general in Gaineria.

The Count assured Bard that everything would be fine. He said that Jog Ward would not do anything like attacking the guests of King Parzam and their guide. Although he was not someone who followed common sense, the Count had no intention of changing his mind. Bard thought to himself, “Let it be,” and they headed west. In reality, the Storm General Jog Ward had been running around in the southeast all this time. It was Julelan and his group who encountered him.

As for why the Count chose a detour route, it was simply because he didn’t want to sleep in a place without a roof if possible. He said that camping was not something a person of refined taste would do. In fact, if they had no choice but to camp, the Count would sleep inside the carriage. The group traveled, borrowing accommodations from the residences of knights in Gaineria, Thula, and Seion, while making their way. They were never turned away from any house. The name of Count Massimosanbo Hasok, the Chief Aide to the Parzam Kingdom, seemed to carry some weight. Bard’s heart leaped at the various dishes he had never tasted before, but the meals with the Count were so formal and mentally exhausting that he couldn’t enjoy the flavors.

Jurchaga was maneuvering skillfully. The accompanying attendants were servants of noble families and behaved with elegance and refinement. Their sense and knowledge were suitable for servants of high-ranking individuals. In fact, they traveled in carriages. It was a bit unimaginable for commoners, let alone servants, to ride in carriages meant for nobles, but for them, it was normal. In other words, they were completely different from Jurchaga. However, Jurchaga quickly became friendly with them and seemed to be learning various things from them. He took care of Bard as if he were a proper servant. In public, his manner of speaking was different. The knights were surprised to see Jurchaga running without showing any signs of fatigue, saying, “If you can’t run around on the battlefield when the time comes, you’re not fit to be a knight’s attendant.” They were very impressed and started to speak to Jurchaga more warmly. Truly, he was a man who could survive anywhere he went. Due to exercise, his once plump face quickly slimmed down, taking on a moderately dirty appearance and losing its beauty. He now looked like an ordinary commoner. Just as there are lizards that change the color of their skin according to the color of the trees and leaves, Jurchaga had the ability to blend in with his surroundings.

Their journey had been going smoothly until they passed near the Mordos Mountains and were caught in a heavy rainstorm. The rain turned the bare mountain slopes into muddy torrents, making it impossible to continue. So, they turned back to the Seion Kingdom and knocked on the gates of the Shurtenya family. Although the Shurtenya family were rural lords, they had a spacious mansion and warmly welcomed the group.

Coincidentally, a traveling troupe from Eina’s people had also been stranded by the rain and were staying at the Shurtenya family’s residence. To entertain Bard and his companions, the head of the Shurtenya family had the people of Eina perform. Among them was a beautiful woman with fiery red hair. Her seductive and passionate dance deeply stirred Bard’s heart. The woman made eye contact with Bard multiple times. It was natural for her to show off her talent and beauty to the guests, but her gaze towards Bard was different from the one she directed towards the head of the family or the other guests. It was an intense, captivating gaze. Bard felt his heart beat a little faster.

Bard had met Eina’s people before and knew a rough explanation of their origins. However, the head of the family had extensive and accurate knowledge, allowing Bard to learn more about Eina’s people.

5

Long ago, the gods divided into two factions and waged a great war. Eina, unsure which side to support, entered both camps under different guises and acted as a companion. After the war, this became known to the gods, and Eina was hated and banished from the realm of the gods.

Arriving in the human world, Eina bestowed wisdom upon the people and was revered. Although Eina’s divine power was weak, her wisdom was abundant. However, other gods also came to the human world and began granting blessings to the people. These gods referred to Eina as the “betrayal god.” Eventually, Eina became rejected by the humans as well.

There were people who continued to admire Eina. They were called Eina’s people. They did not establish villages or towns but lived as wandering nomads, moving with their companions.

Eina’s people were considered lowly. It is unclear whether they were seen as such because they worshipped Eina or if they began worshipping Eina because they were seen as lowly.

However, sometimes people sought out Eina’s people. They were beautiful, cheerful, and skilled in various arts. Divination, singing, dancing, sexual techniques, and tanning leather were among the talents of Eina’s people. It was also said that some of Eina’s people could communicate with birds and animals and understand the voices of trees and the earth. When there were grand festivals and celebrations, towns would open their gates to Eina’s people. For the villages, the arrival of Eina’s people provided a small comfort in their difficult lives. Their rituals for bountiful harvests and their entertaining skills were always needed somewhere.

Eina, the god of betrayal, fate, wandering, duality, divination, seduction, intercourse, infidelity, and theft. According to the grotesque myth of the half-human, half-snake Manuno, Eina is said to be a demigod born from the union of the snake god Nele and the human king Jean. However, in the myth of the Manuno, it is said that the snake god Nele gave birth to Eina through a union with the human king Jean.

6

Suddenly, Bard realized that the potatoes had not been boiled twice. Once he started eating one, his hand automatically reached for the next one. The taste was so addictive that he couldn’t stop in the middle. And before he knew it, he had finished all the potatoes on the plate.

“Damn it,” Bard cursed Kamler under his breath, washing his hands in hot water and trying to distract himself from the frustration with wine. The sun god was now hiding behind the ridge of the opposite mountain. The reddened color of the setting sun gradually dyed the limestone mountain slopes orange. And look, strangely enough, the blue color of the hot water changed to green. What a marvelous sight. Depending on the sunlight, the colors of the mountains and the water gradually changed. While watching his own body being dyed by the colors of the sunset and the water, Bard was filled with awe.

The sun continued to sink, and lights began to illuminate the houses of the capital city. They represented the activities of the people. The number of lights gradually increased, and soon there were more lights on the ground than stars in the sky. Each of those lights illuminated the life of a different person. Bard found an awe-inspiring beauty in nature that was no less impressive than the grandeur of the natural world.

“Such beautiful light. It wasn’t long ago that there were so many lights illuminating the darkness. Even the poor commoners can now have at least one light in their homes. They can make a warm soup on a cold winter’s day. But this prosperity was obtained by destroying a whole country and taking everything away,” said Senior Priest Barry Toad. And so, he began to tell the tale of a nation’s downfall.