kscans

CHAPTER 7 CHALLENGE TO THE LABYRINTH – Episode 4 – Huddle Zoruarus (Part 2)

3

Until now, Karz had avoided the city of Krausk. This was understandable. Krausk was a city built by the remnants of the Principality of Zarban. As the exiled prince of Zarban, Karz found it difficult to face the people of this city.

Twenty-seven years ago, the Principality of Zarban was invaded by Shinkai and its allied nations. The last stronghold of Zarban’s resistance was the southern city of Phalom. The Count of Phalom, Huddle Zoruarus, collaborated with Count Ryde, the representative of the Parzam army, to devise a plan. They made the agonizing decision to destroy the Grand Duke’s family and spare the remaining people.

Parzam formally declared war and held a representative battle between knights. The Parzam representative won, and Zarban surrendered. This was used to counter Shinkai’s claim as the conqueror by General of Greed. After complicated negotiations, the invading countries divided the mountains of Zarban, and the Zarban Grand Duke’s family was completely wiped out. In return, the surviving people were spared.

Even though they were spared, the future of the people who lost their country and wealth must have been utterly hopeless. Huddle Zoruarus led those people to the frontier and founded the city of Krausk. How arduous that journey must have been. Surely, many perished along the way.

Karz is a man who failed to protect his people. He was defeated by General of Greed and allowed his country to be ravaged. He must think he has no face to show the people of Krausk. Moreover, Karz is a “separated child”. He was born at the same time as Enishiritorg from the same mother, and they both had the same birthmark. The heir of the Grand Duke’s family being a “separated child” was absolutely unforgivable. That is why Karz had to be killed immediately. But because Karz was also a “throwback”, he survived.

Perhaps Karz believes that his cursed existence is the reason his country was destroyed. He must have continued to blame himself.

Karz was hidden from the general public because he was both a “throwback” and a “separated child”. But some high-ranking nobles knew of his existence. Count Huddle Zoruarus was one of the few who knew Karz’s face and identity. What does Count Huddle Zoruarus think of Karz? Bard has met this remarkable knight twice. He seems like the kind of person one would want to emulate in their old age. He is a man of great stature. But it is unclear how he feels about Karz.

Perhaps Huddle Zoruarus resents that the cursed child lived on to become the “Sword of the King”, which ironically led to the downfall of the country. Huddle Zoruarus became the last prime minister of Zarban and placed the young Grand Duke Suwarutorg, the eldest son of the late Enishiritorg, on the throne. It was Huddle Zoruarus who told the 13-year-old Grand Duke Suwarutorg to drink poison and die. He also urged the other “Sword of the King”, Cantor Edda, to commit suicide. How immense his anguish must have been. The hardship of leading the people in exile and founding a frontier city is unimaginable. Now that Krausk has prospered, how will Huddle Zoruarus react if Karz were to appear?

Does Huddle Zoruarus know that Karz has been finding and helping the scattered Zarban people in the Central Plains, sending them to Krausk? He might have noticed that there was someone doing such work. But whether he realizes that it is the doing of the “separated child” Karz, who is officially presumed dead, is unclear. Unless Cantor Edda reveals the truth, Huddle Zoruarus may still believe Karz is dead. How will he react when Karz appears before him?

Facing Huddle Zoruarus will be extremely painful for Karz. Yet, he must meet him. It is necessary to completely dispel the dark shadow of death that has haunted Karz’s heart. Until now, he could not do so. If Karz were to visit Krausk, it would reveal that a member of the Zarban Grand Duke’s bloodline is still alive. The agreement among the victorious countries was to extinguish the Zarban Grand Duke’s bloodline. As the last prime minister of the defeated Zarban, Huddle Zoruarus is bound by this agreement. The victorious countries would not allow it to be violated either. Peaceful Krausk could be drawn into new conflicts and troubles. But now, with the General of Greed dead and Shinkai becoming an enemy of the Central Plains countries, Karz can visit Krausk. Even if he is met with condemnation.

Is Count Huddle Zoruarus still alive? He should be around ninety years old by now. Bard prays that he is still living.

4

They arrived in Krausk in the evening. They wanted to visit the Count immediately, but in this city, one must dismount and walk through the streets if not granted permission. Despite the late hour, the city streets were bustling, even more prosperous than before. The urban area itself has expanded. The group checked into an inn and set out early the next morning. Discreetly inquiring at the inn, they learned that the Count was still in good health. Arriving at the manor, Bard and Godon requested an audience. Soon, they were led to a separate building.

On the way through the garden, a man overseeing the garden work stared intently at Karz.

“The Count is unwell and resting in his bedchamber. He asks that you kindly excuse his inability to receive you in person,” said the guide.

As the guide had said, they were led to the bedchamber. The Count greeted the group. He seemed smaller than when Bard had last seen him. The once abundant white hair was now sparse. But his complexion was still healthy. Raising himself up from the bed, the Count smiled at Bard and Godon. His eyes were sunken, but the lively light in them had not faded. Seeing the figure of Karz, who had just entered, his eyes widened.

The Count’s gaze was fixed on Karz. Soon, a hoarse but resolute voice came from his mouth.

“You all, leave the room. Kizmertel, stay. No one is to approach this room for a while. Call Noah.”

Following the Count’s instructions, the maidservants and a man who looked like a physician left the room. The remaining knights were familiar – they had served the Count before. Even after the entire group had entered the room, the Count’s gaze remained fixed on Karz.

“Kizmertel. Get me up from the bed. Help me.”

Hearing the instruction, the knight showed a faint surprise on his face, but helped the Count get down from the bed as directed. The knight tried to guide the Count to a nearby chair, but the Count knelt on the floor and prostrated himself before Karz. Seeing this, the knight was startled and also knelt down behind the Count to pay respects to Karz. Another knight entered the room through the door. He too had previously served the Count. Seeing the others, he followed suit.

Bard and Godon made way for Karz. Karz approached the Count.

“Count. I have caused you trouble. Forgive me.”

Bard pondered the depth of emotion conveyed in Karz’s brief words. Godon, Taranka, Quinta, and Carla must have felt the same.

“No, no,” the Count said, shaking his head as tears fell from his eyes to the floor.

“Lord Vrientorg, that you are safe is the sole hope of this Huddle. We had heard of you from Cantor Edda. Knowing you were safe allowed us to endure the loss of Lord Enishiritorg. It allowed us to endure the treachery of forcing the poisoned cup to Lord Suwarutorg, and surviving ourselves. As long as you live, the bloodline of the Werewolf King will never be extinguished.”

Karz closed his eyes, likely reflecting on the Count’s words. Then he said, “My cursed existence has brought harm to the land and its people.”

The Count shook his head, denying Karz’s words.

“No, no. That curse has been lifted, for Lord Enishiritorg has passed. You have become the sole legitimate heir of the Grand Duke’s house. No, it is more than that. Even if the Grand Duke’s realm perishes, the gods have already ordained that your lineage shall not be extinguished. Surely your very birth was a blessing for the future.”

Karz listened to this unexpected praise with wide eyes.

“And yet, even as you yourself faced adversity, even as you were in the depths of despair having lost everything, you sought out the suffering people and sent them to this town. With each new refugee from Zarban finding their way here, this Huddle have been offering prayers of gratitude to you, who toil alone somewhere on this continent.”

So he had realized Karz’s dedication. The Count continued.

“But alas, I must ask your forgiveness. I have taken your people. I told those I brought here that Zarban is no more, and that they are now the people of the new Krausk. I have taught my son and grandson likewise. And there are many new arrivals as well. This town is no longer Zarban’s. I cannot welcome you as its lord.”

Karz gently replied, “That is well. It is as it should be. I too have cast aside the past. I have become the adopted son of Lord Bard Rowen, and been given the name Karz Rowen. I have discarded my old name, and the oaths made under that name.”

“Karz Rowen! So that was the case. I have always kept an eye on the affairs of the Central Plains, especially when that monstrous general invaded, and was thwarted by you and your company. Ah, I see now. The adopted son of Lord Bard. Truly, this is a blessing.”

“Count, rise and return to the bed.”

“No, there is more I must say. The two knights here are Kizmertel Eisara and Noah Fuct. They are not knights of Krausk, but my own retainers, whose loyalty is pledged to your bloodline, the Werewolf King.”

Imagine, the Count had been raising these two knights, not knowing if or when Karz would return. Both were seasoned warriors, with an air of high-ranking knights from some kingdom. Karz and the Count conversed further, discussing Karz’s current base in Fyuzarion, and the fact that he still had neither wife nor child. Karz also shared that he was traveling for a purpose and would not be returning to Fyuzarion for some time. The two knights would return to Fyuzarion with their retinues to await Karz’s return. The Count wished to personally knight their eldest sons before sending them off. Karz spoke with the two knights, and their deep reverence for Karz was palpable.

——Karz, your silent dedication was not in vain. These two know of how you sacrificed yourself for Zarban’s refugees.

“Karz Rowen, I must ask one thing of you. Take a wife, and sire a son.”

The Count looked up at Karz with a firm gaze. After a moment of silence, Karz replied, “Understood.”

The group was then escorted to the guest quarters and treated to a feast that night. To everyone’s surprise, the bedridden Count had risen to join the festivities. Bard and Godon were the guests of honor, and Karz was treated as Bard’s son. It is unknown how many of those present knew Karz’s true identity. Karz is one of the knights who has defeated the General of Greed twice. Krausk was a city built by the remnants of Zarban, and the people gathered at this banquet harbor a deep resentment towards the General of Greed. Karz is treated as a hero.

On this night, Karz accepted every cup that was offered to him.

As the banquet ended and the guests headed to their lodgings, there were people waiting in the garden along the way. At the forefront was the man who had been giving instructions for the garden’s construction that morning. Beside him were what appeared to be his wife and children. Dozens of families were prostrated on the ground, worshiping Karz. Likely, they were the ones he had saved and brought to settle in Krausk.

After the Principality of Zarban was destroyed, Karz, following the last will of his great-uncle Cantor Edda, gave up on revenge and devoted himself to honing his sword. During that time, he learned that the remnants of Zarban were living as virtual or actual slaves in various parts of the Central Plains. Karz sought them out, helped them, and sent them to Krausk, claiming they were under the authority of Count Huddle Zoruarus. In reality, Karz was not commissioned by the Count, and the funds he used were earned through his own sacrifice. The rescued people reached Krausk and expressed their gratitude to the Count, though it is unknown how he responded. Even if the Count had figured out Karz’s true identity, he likely would not have revealed it publicly. However, the rescued people realized something through their conversations with each other.

For over a decade, there has been a person searching for and continuously rescuing the remnants of Zarban. This is something that cannot be accomplished with just a little funding. This person must have made considerable sacrifices to continue this work, all alone. This person must have had a certain status originally. It is thanks to this person’s lonely dedication that they were saved.

No one spoke a word. They seemed to sense that Karz had some circumstances and that they should not inquire about his true name. They silently offered their gratitude. Karz stood there for a while, looking at their faces, and then said, “May you be well,” before leaving.

The next day, Bard visited the leather armor craftsman Polpo, who immediately stripped Bard of his armor for repairs. This took five days, and Bard’s group ended up staying at the lord’s mansion for seven days. Karz used this time to thoroughly train Taranka and Quinta. This drew the attention of the mansion’s knights and servants, and the number of spectators grew day by day. At the request of Kizmertel and Noah, Karz also trained their eldest sons, Tsurugatol Eisara and Dali Fuct, who turned out to be excellent swordsmen, or so it seemed, as Bard did not witness their training. Instead, Bard, accompanied by Godon and Carla, went around Krausk’s famous eateries.

On the eighth day, Bard’s group left Krausk, with Bard’s leather armor fully repaired, and received a grand sendoff.