Chapter 269
A quest window appeared before Ian as if it had been waiting for him.
[Protector of the Caravan.]
Before the completion conditions, what caught his eye first was the reward: a significant amount of experience points, one skill point, and two question marks.
Judging by the size of the reward, is this the final quest?
As Ian’s gaze shifted to the completion conditions, Fael spoke again, misinterpreting Ian’s silence. "I am not just asking for a favor. I promise to offer the best possible reward. If there’s anything else you desire, I will do my utmost to accommodate."
Fael’s anxious eyes revealed his desperation. When their eyes met, Fael blushed slightly and let out a faint sigh.
"Of course... even if you refuse, I won’t hold a grudge, not even a little. In fact, I should be ashamed of myself for asking such a potentially dangerous favor from my saviors once again."
So, he does realize that, Ian smirked internally before responding.
"As you know, I am a mercenary. If the terms are right, there’s no reason I wouldn’t accept the request."
"Really? Truly?"As Fael’s eyes widened in surprise, Ian added, "But I am already in the middle of a request. Right now, my job is to escort Sir Philip and the young lady to the capital."
"... Ah. Of course. How thoughtless of me. I should have sought their permission first."
Fael turned his gaze to Philip and Elia. While Philip merely shrugged without saying much, Elia, who had been watching the situation with bright eyes, set her glass down.
She soon asked, "Where is this meeting supposed to take place?"
Fael, now with a polite and serious expression, answered immediately. "It is scheduled to take place in Basmut, my lady."
"Basmut... that’s the city along the Haen River, north of Midfert, correct?"
“Yes, my lady. It would take roughly ten days to complete the trip. If we hurry, we could shave off a day, but it would still mean delaying your arrival in the capital.”
Fael moistened his lips with his tongue and placed a hand on his chest as he spoke. "If you assist, I will ensure that you experience no inconvenience for the rest of your journey. My lady, you may rest safely here if you prefer."
"That’s not a bad offer. We do have some flexibility in our schedule. However, if we decide to go, I’ll be joining the journey. While this place is safe, I feel it’s not as secure as staying with Sir Philip and Sir Ian. Of course...."
Elia looked over at Ian.
"If Sir Ian agrees, that is." She finished speaking and raised her glass to her lips.
... I thought she’d just go along with it, but she’s really speaking her mind.
Her eyes were still sparkling as she looked at Ian, as if she were an adventurer or mercenary herself, eager for the journey ahead.
With a faint smile, Ian finally turned to face Fael again. "Then let’s start by hearing the exact details of the request. Is it simply to protect the caravan until the meeting concludes and you return?"
Fael, now clearly relieved, let out a long breath and nodded. "Yes. You two will accompany me as my personal guards, and my lady will be treated as an honored guest of the caravan. However... I intend to keep the fact that you’re traveling due to the dark mage a secret."
“You’re worried the other merchants will panic.”
"Everyone’s already scared enough as it is. If they find out we were attacked by a dark mage, the entire meeting will be filled with irrelevant discussions, far from the original purpose."
He had likely staked everything on this, so it was only natural that he wanted to see the task through to the very end, no matter what. In any case, it wasn’t a bad offer for Ian either. After all, he, too, preferred not to draw attention.
“That won’t be difficult, as long as you don’t draw any attention yourself,” Ian replied with a shrug, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
“So, how will you pay us?”
“I’ll give you fifty gold coins as an advance. Once the job is done, I’ll give you the same amount again. As I mentioned earlier, I’ll also provide all the supplies needed for the rest of your journey. And if the meeting concludes safely, I’ll offer a gift in the alliance’s name, which will also include a personal token of my gratitude.”
“I’m not a fan of uncertain rewards....”
“I wanted to keep it certain before mentioning it. If things don’t go well, I’ll give you an additional hundred gold coins.”
Two hundred Imperial gold coins, at the very least.
Ian mulled over the pleasant thought for a moment, then added, “Per person? Even if there’s no attack by the dark mage?”
Fael flinched briefly but quickly plastered a natural smile on his face. “Of course. I’ll give the same to all three of you, regardless of whether anything happens.”
"You are wise and just..." Philip murmured, the mercenary’s grin creeping onto his face before he even realized it.
Elia didn’t seem pleased, likely not grasping just how much two hundred imperial gold coins truly were.
Ian raised his glass and spoke, “If I can add one more condition, I’ll accept.”
Fael nodded eagerly. “Name it.”
“If we find and kill the dark mage, the request will be complete at that moment. If I bring back their head, you’ll pay us the remaining balance, and the job will be done. We’ll go our separate ways afterward.”
“You could save yourself the time of making the round trip… Very well. However, even if that happens, could you still accompany us until the meeting concludes?” Fael added.
Ian glanced at Philip and Elia before nodding. “That’s fine. I have business in Midfert anyway.”
“Then... with those conditions, you’ll accept?” Fael asked, swallowing dryly.
Ian, with a slight curl of his lips, raised his glass and extended it forward. “The request is accepted.”
“Thank you!” Fael shouted, quickly raising his glass. Philip followed suit eagerly, and, after a moment’s hesitation, Elia raised her glass as well, catching Ian’s glance.
“Now I can finally rest easy! Tonight, I’ll be able to stretch my legs and sleep soundly,” Pael said, draining his glass in one gulp, visibly relieved.
“Although you’ve accepted the job, nothing may happen, contrary to your concerns,” Philip remarked as he set his glass down. Now that the contract was sealed, he seemed uneasy about the possibility of getting paid for doing nothing.
“Who knows, the mage could’ve attacked Bor and then just vanished without a trace to collect the payment. Mages are unpredictable beings, aren’t they? Dark mages even more so,” he added.
Fael smiled. “It doesn’t matter. A merchant must always keep the worst possible outcome in mind, even if it hasn’t occurred.”
He sure didn’t seem like the type to, thought Ian.
“Also, it’s more about peace of mind. Just having the two of you with us has already dispelled all my worries.”
"... Seems a bit too early to say that, don’t you think?" Ian chuckled softly.
Fael shook his head as he stood up from his seat. “Every time I’ve met you, things have worked out in the end. Every single time.”
"So, I’ve been your lucky charm, huh?"
“It’s a belief based on experience. I’ve already witnessed your skills. Even Bor was in awe. And this time, Sir Philip, the Apostle of the Radiant Goddess, is with us as well. And frankly...”
Fael hinted as he uncorked another barrel to refill their drinks. "I had a suspicion before, but after today, I’m certain. You, Sir Ian, are no ordinary mercenary."
"So, does that make you curious?" Ian asked as he raised his glass.
Of course, he didn’t flaunt his titles, partly because it felt embarrassing. But it was also because it might interfere with his side quests. Hearing such grand titles would prevent most people from even considering asking him for favors. That’s how it had been, after all. But now that he had accepted the quest, if Fael asked directly, he wouldn’t have a reason not to tell him.
However, Fael unexpectedly shook his head and sat back down.
"I know you don’t wish to speak about it, and I won’t pry. From now on, I’ll simply regard you as a savior of our trading company and a symbol of good fortune."
"Well, if that’s how you want it." Ian chuckled lightly and raised his cup. “Do as you please.”
“Now, drink to your heart’s content. If you need more, I’ll provide as much as you want, without limit.”
“You might regret saying that....” Ian exchanged glances with Philip and Elia before bringing the glass to his lips.
Apostle of a god, a dwarf, and a spellcaster with superhuman Stamina, Regeneration, and Resistance. If the three of them wanted to, it wouldn’t be impossible to drink the entire place dry. The only limiting factor was time.
"Regret? Come now, don’t be so harsh. Let’s drink!"
Unaware of such facts, Fael, whose face had grown rosy once again, raised his cup.
***
"What are you standing around for? Get moving! We’ve loaded everything!"
"Move those crates faster! Don’t just stand around waiting!"
The outside was bustling from the early morning.
In stark contrast, the room inside was quiet. Ian, reclining on the sofa, was leisurely preparing to leave. Thanks to two days of rest, he was in good condition. Of course, he had spent much of that time drinking, but that was nothing new. After all, alcohol never got him drunk.
Creak—
The door to the room swung open. Philip, clad in full plate armor, entered. He was even wearing his helmet, with a visor covering everything below his eyes. It was a helmet Fael had provided, crafted from Imperial steel.
"Preparations are nearly complete, my lord."
Philip, lowering his visor, spoke, "It’s about time you got ready to leave as well."
"Is that so...? Right on time." Ian nodded, picking up the helmet beside him.
It was thinner and lighter than Philip’s, but it still covered his cheeks and nose completely. He had bought it to avoid any potential trouble. After all, they’d be accompanying Fael to the meeting, and some merchants there might recognize his face or name.
"..."
Ian’s gaze shifted across the room. In front of a small desk, Elia, clad in a gray robe, sat with her legs dangling beneath the chair. She didn’t seem to notice Philip entering the room, her eyes fixed on her outstretched left palm. In her right hand, she held a pen, scribbling something into the book laid open on the desk.
“Elia,” Ian called her, but she didn’t lift her head. Her attention was still glued to the thin, wriggling black snake resting on her left palm.
It was, of course, the Swamp’s Resentment. He had loaned it to her for a moment, and whenever she had the chance, she played with it like this.
Ian clicked his tongue and extended his right hand. With a soft whoosh, the Swamp’s Resentment dispersed into black mist.
"...!" Only then did Elia blink, startled, and raise her head. Looking down at her somewhat dazed expression, Ian gave a small nod.
“It’s time to leave.”
“Oh…! I’m so sorry. I got a little too distracted. I’ll get ready right away.” Elia hurriedly stood up.
Philip, chuckling softly, lifted his visor and turned to leave. “I’ll have the carriage ready in front.”
“Okay.”
As Ian felt the cool sensation of the ring return to his right finger, he observed Elia, who was rushing about. He had wanted to buy her some armor, but nothing in Borta was made to fit a dwarf. They said custom orders were possible, but there wasn’t enough time to have one made before they had to leave the city.
In the end, the only new items she purchased were a gray cloak, a journal, ink, a quill, and the leather bag slung over her shoulder. Even the cloak had required alterations, which she ended up doing herself.
Would’ve been free if we bought it from here…
Clicking his tongue briefly, Ian shrugged. After all, once this job was done, their pockets would be heavy, and they could easily get her proper gear in Midfert.
“All set. Shall we go?” Elia, pulling her hood over her head, gave an awkward smile.
Ian nodded, just about to turn, when she spoke again. “I’m excited. To take on a quest and travel with a trading company… it really feels like an adventure.”
“Don’t get too excited. Some terrible things are likely waiting for us.”
I’ll make sure that corrupted spellcaster loses his head right in front of you, Ian silently added as he left the room.
Elia, catching up with him, spoke up. “I won’t let my guard down. I’ll pull my weight too.”
“Just staying safe will be enough for you to do your part.”
"I’m sure there’ll be ways I can help, even in that situation. I’ve given it some thought," she added as they walked down the corridor and approached the staircase.
Ian let out a low snort. “I’ll hear about whatever troublesome conclusion you’ve come to on the way.”
“You’ll be pleased with it. Also, Godfather, if we really run into the dark mage—”
“No.” Ian cut her off without turning around.
Following him into the stairwell, Elia hesitated. “I haven’t even gotten to the main point yet.”
“You were going to say you want to talk to them or ask them something, weren’t you?”
The sound of her steps faltered for a moment before she spoke again.
“... Yes. But at least—”
“No. We’ll burn everything the dark mage has.”
Anything useful, I’ll stash in my pocket dimension.
While Ian silently added that, Elia asked in disbelief, “How do you always know what I’m thinking...? Are you using magic or something?”
“Looks like you’ve finally caught on.”
“...?!”
There was a rustle, likely from her hood being flipped back as she looked up in surprise. A soft sigh followed, “So, you were joking.”
Ian chuckled instead of replying as he pushed open the large gate. The loaded wagons were slowly moving forward, and a carriage meant for Ian approached from the distance. But that wasn’t the only thing waiting for him.
“... Sir Ian.”
Standing like a wooden pillar by the door was a thin Northerner, who bowed his head toward him. It was Bor.