Chapter 603

I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

"My goodness, Lu Solar," said Fael, his lips trembling as he stared at Ian as though entranced. "H-How are you here?"

"Just happened that way."

As Ian shrugged, the silver-haired fairy who had entered last came to stand beside him. As the doors to the reception hall closed behind them, Thesaya caught Fael’s dazed gaze and smiled playfully.

"It’s been a while, Master. Do you remember me?"

Fael’s eyes widened even further. However, before he could answer, a choked voice came from behind him.

"Greetings to the Great Warrior!"

It was Bor. Fael flinched and turned around. Bor was holding the metal box with both hands, bowing his head in the Northern fashion.

"It’s been a while, Bor. You’ve upgraded your gear since the last time I saw you," said Ian.

"I always believed you’d come back safely," Bor said, his head still bowed. The faint tremor in his voice betrayed the storm of emotions within him—a faith finally rewarded.

Fael, regaining a measure of composure thanks to that outburst, turned back to Ian. "I had my doubts, but the stories of the Agent of the Saint bestowing a blessing upon this land were true."

"The heavens did, thanks to the man worthy of wearing the crown," Ian said, casting a brief look at the back of Declan’s head. Fael had no way of knowing that he said it to wash his hands of any responsibility.

Finally snapping out of his daze, Fael bowed his head. "I have been speaking informally for too long in your presence. I apologize for my rudeness, Your Majesty."

"Think nothing of it. It is only natural. I reacted much the same way when I saw the Agent of the Saint again." Declan replied with a hearty laugh, looking back at Ian.

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. And once more, congratulations on your coronation," Fael said politely, bending his knee again.

He extended a hand slightly to the side. Bor, who had been staring at Ian with shimmering eyes, stamped forward. Fael reached out and opened the lid of the box.

"I only heard the news after I got here, so the gift I brought isn’t much. Still, I hope you won’t mind accepting it."

Inside the box lay a neatly folded, lustrous blue fabric and several glass bottles. With his head still respectfully bowed, Fael gestured to the fabric.

"This is a premium cloak crafted by a master in the capital. It’s soft yet durable, resistant to fire and water."

Declan looked down into the box.

Fael’s hand then moved toward the glass bottles. "These are wines from Borta. I have selected only the finest of the finest vintages."

"Your heartfelt congratulations are enough. However, I will not refuse. Thank you, Master. I will put them to good use." Declan said with a satisfied smile, looking at Fael.

"Thank you for accepting them, Your Majesty."

"I trust you have come well-stocked with goods for sale, as always?" Declan added.

Fael immediately nodded. "Of course."

"Excellent. As you can see, the entire city’s in celebration. It seems I will have to purchase everything you’ve brought, even if it means emptying the treasury."

"Do not worry. In honor of Your Majesty’s coronation, I will offer all items at the golden insignia price," Fael said, his eyes flicking toward Ian. "After all, the owner of a golden insignia is present with us now."

"So much good news in a row. I can’t help but feel uneasy. They say that after great joy comes a sorrow of equal measure," Declan said with a chuckle.

"There is also a saying that misfortune does not visit those who are vigilant," Fael replied courteously.

Declan’s smile grew wider. "A saying I quite like. Now, let us discuss the details of our trade tomorrow." He tilted his head slightly. "For now, it seems best for you to spend some time catching up."

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty." Fael bowed again.

Though he handled the conversation with practiced grace, his thoughts were fixed entirely on Ian. There was so much to say, and so much he wanted to hear.

Declan nodded and turned to Ian. "Thank you for enduring such a grueling schedule, Agent of the Saint."

"It was nothing."

"As promised, you will not be troubled any further. Shall I have a meal prepared for you in the banquet hall?"

"I don’t think I’m the one you should be asking. I’ve already eaten plenty. What about you, Master?" Ian’s gaze shifted to him.

Fael shook his head. "I’m fine as well. I ate during the journey, and truth be told, I’m too overwhelmed to feel hungry."

"Perfect." Ian smiled as if he expected that answer and looked back at Declan. "We will head up to our room now."

"Yes. If you need anything, feel free to call upon the castle servants. They will gladly heed you," said Declan. He then glanced at Fael and Bor. "That will be all. I’ll stay a while longer to look over the gift the Master has sent me."

"Yes. Then, we will see you again tomorrow morning, Your Majesty," Fael replied politely, giving a slight nod to Bor. Bor turned and placed the box on the table.

"Follow me," Ian added and turned to leave.

Thesaya opened the door, revealing the chamberlain and a Vantruian boy standing outside.

"Let’s go to the Agent of the Saint’s room, Shahin."

"Yes," the boy answered politely and turned.

Ian and Thesaya walked side by side down the hallway. Behind them, Fael and Bor followed close behind, pausing only to give Declan one last respectful bow. As they went, Fael finally took a moment to study Ian’s appearance. A fresh sense of wonder bloomed in his eyes.

He’s been beyond the Wall for years.

It was widely assumed that the realm beyond the Black Wall was a massive demonic territory. Yet the Agent of the Saint, now walking in a formal uniform, looked no different from how he remembered him.

"You seem to come here regularly," Ian said suddenly.

Fael blinked in surprise. "Pardon?"

"Orendel, I mean," Ian clarified, glancing back.

Fael nodded. "Yes. Twice a year, if possible. If not, I make sure to visit at least once before fall. This year, this is that one visit."

"So that’s why His Majesty was so certain you would arrive soon."

"He must have been. My route is to come deep into the frontier, visit Orendel first, and then stop by other cities on the way back. My schedule hardly ever changes," Fael explained calmly, watching Ian nod.

Just then, Thesaya glanced back at him. "That sounds quite dangerous. Is there a safe route?"

"It is a path only known to those who travel it frequently, but there are routes where monsters are periodically cleared out in each region. No sane person would commit crimes there. Of course, monsters appear from time to time…"

He glanced at Bor and added, "But my caravan’s guards are exceptionally skilled. Of all the caravans in the capital, we have the most experience fighting monsters. We spare no expense in supporting them, either."

"So there is a safe route," Thesaya said, the corner of her mouth curling up.

"I suppose I should thank you," said Ian.

As Fael looked at him in surprise, Ian added, "This trade route started as a promise to Philip, did it not? It could have been a one-time thing, but you’ve continued. And I’ve benefited from it."

"I merely tried to stay true to my word," Fael said with a faint smile.

"Well, and because it’s profitable," Fael added lightly.

"I can’t imagine frontier kingdoms being all that wealthy."

"They have other things of value."

"I see." Ian nodded, starting up the stairs.

Fael naturally fell in behind him. "But what exactly happened? You must have crossed the inner sea, and yet here you are in the frontier instead of the Empire."

"I ran into some trouble crossing the inner sea. I had no choice but to sail through the Black Sea and land here instead," Ian replied.

Fael let out a hum. "I’d heard the inner sea was sealed off. Then I suppose the rumors about monsters from beyond the Wall crossing over were true."

"It was more than that. An archdemon crossed over with its minions," Thesaya added. She looked back at the wide-eyed Fael with an arrogant smile. "Of course, only the masterless minions remain now."

Fael missed a step on the stairs, nearly stumbling.

Bor caught him by the waist and muttered, "The Great Warrior must have defeated it."

His tone was not one of surprise, but of complete certainty.

While Thesaya nodded, Fael regained his footing and continued up the stairs. "Then is it true? Are the archdemons still alive beyond the Wall?"

"I don’t think this is the right place to talk about that," replied Ian.

Fael stopped short, then bowed his head. "Yes, Agent of the Saint."

"There’s no need to be impatient, Master. Ian plans to do nothing but rest until Sir Mev returns," Thesaya added.

Fael turned to her, a thought suddenly crossing his mind.

"Come to think of it, I never answered your earlier question. Of course, I remember. I also heard that you have established yourself as an Elder of a renowned noble house in the South. My belated congratulations to you, Elder. And on the recovery of your eyes as well," Fael said with a bow.

As they entered an adjoining hallway, Thesaya smiled gently. "I’m glad you remember. It brings back old memories."

"I have always been curious about Sir Charlotte’s well-being. Is she doing well?"

"Of course. She has become the Great Warrior of the Southern jungle, leading the beastfolk."

"That’s wonderful news." Fael smiled back as he stepped into the hallway behind them.

Ahead, Shahin was already leading the way. Thesaya looked back at Fael, her expression turning faintly sly.

"I have more good news."

"Oh? What kind?"

"About the Lighthouse Trading Company of the Alliance."

"You met them?" Fael asked, his eyes widening.

Thesaya nodded and glanced at Ian. "They are safe. By now, they should be sorting their goods in Erenos, waiting for the chaos on the inner sea to subside. I don’t know when the sea routes will open again, but it probably won’t be long."

"That is truly wonderful news. I was quite worried about them. I will not forget the debt I owe you for your help, Elder," Fael said, a smile of relief spreading across his face.

"How about repaying it with the insignia? I hear I’m more than qualified," asked Thesaya, her eyes sparkling.

Fael immediately nodded. "Of course. It will require an internal meeting, but an Elder such as yourself would certainly be worthy of a golden insignia."

Just then, Shahin opened a wooden door at the far end of the hall. He held it open and turned toward the group. Ian strode forward first.

"Then I’ll be looking forward to it," Thesaya added, following him.

Fael naturally slowed his pace as they approached the room.

"You’re back!"

"W-Welcome back!"

Voices spilled out from inside as Ian stopped at the open door. He surveyed the room and shook his head.

"I didn’t think everyone would be in my room."

"It’s the biggest one. So I invited them," a calm voice replied from within as Fael slowly approached. "You’ve worked hard. We heard you had finished your duties for the day, so we were waiting."

"Guess you didn’t hear we had guests."

"Guests?"

"You know them, Lucy," Ian turned back, nodding toward Fael before stepping inside. Fael hastened his pace.

"Thank you for the invitation…" He bowed slightly as he entered.

The dim room was lit by flickering candles and the last traces of dusk through the windows. Around a round table sat Ian’s companions, bottles and cups before them.

Fael stopped, his eyes taking in the orc leaning against the far wall, and bent his knee respectfully.

"I am Fael, a member of the Hexagonal Alliance and Master of the Ark Caravan. It is an honor to meet you all."

Shahin, the last to enter, closed the door. As Thesaya walked toward the table, Ian looked at Fael and gestured with his head.

"You already know Lucy, I presume."

"Of course. I am glad to see you safe and well again, Priestess Lucifer."

"It’s good to see you, too, Master. I never expected we would meet again here," the red-haired acolyte replied with a gentle smile. Like Ian, she seemed not to have changed much, save for a slightly deeper look in her eyes.

Her gaze shifted slightly to the side. "Your name was Bor, wasn’t it? You as well, Bor."

As Bor bowed his head, Fael let out a soft laugh. "The Temple of the Brazier will be overjoyed. Do they know that you both have returned?"

"They were likely the first to know. The Blazing Goddess herself aided us."

"I see. That is a relief. Then, does that mean the snowfields also?"

Ian shrugged in response to Fael’s questioning gaze. "Something like that. But first, introductions. Across from you is Young Master Simon, second son of Viscount Chambers."

"A member of House Chambers, I see." Fael smiled as he looked at the handsome, blond-haired young man across from Lucifer. "His Excellency is someone I have long wished to meet. I never imagined I would meet his son first."

"The pleasure’s mine, Master. If you’d like, I can deliver your message to my father. Once he hears that the renowned leader of the Hexagon Alliance wishes to meet, he’ll arrange it right away," Simon replied.

"You honor me. In that case, forgive my boldness, but I’ll take you up on that offer."

"Of course. These are my knight and my attendant, so please pay them no mind," Simon added.

At his words, Brennen and Edward, seated beside him, glanced briefly at Simon. It didn’t seem he held much authority over them.

Ian snorted softly and pointed toward the wall. "And that’s Mukapa. Lady Ingrid of House Sonnier sent him."

Fael’s eyes lit up as he turned to the gray orc. Ingrid was the alias of Princess Seras.

Mukapa placed his right fist on his chest and said. "I am Mukapa of the Vanatir, son of Valdit. It is a pleasure to meet you, Master."

"It is an honor to meet the noblest warrior of the wasteland. You must be the one Her Highness spoke of," Fael replied with a bow.

Ian’s lips curved slightly. "Just as I thought. You heard the news that I was in the South from Her Highness."