Betrayal – Part 01
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Translator: Kell
A well-trained war horse could pull a carriage with a Beastfallen without fear.
The next morning, we were able to depart for the royal capital of Plasta thanks to two very patient chestnut-haired horses.
The trip would take ten days on foot, but only three days at most with a carriage.
Lily was looking out the window restlessly. This was the first time she’d ever rode a carriage.
The priest, as usual, was sitting in the corner with one knee propped up. With his plain clothes, he looked like a blind man on a pilgrimage who happened to take a ride with us.
Zero, of course, was sitting down between my legs. “You are so fluffy since you washed yourself yesterday,” she said, looking extremely satisfied.
“I must say, I’m impressed how you got a carriage that could carry all this people in no time,” I said. “You’ve climbed high up the ladder, huh?”
“I used to serve in the castle so it’s more like I returned to my original post,” Pooch replied. “Anyway, most Beastfallen are huge, so things like this become necessary. Also this carriage is ours. I didn’t use special funding or anything.”
“You actually have equipment for Beastfallen?”
I’d been a mercenary for a long time, moving from place to place, but I’d rarely seen anything specifically provided for Beastfallen. We mainly just borrowed stuff that humans used.
There were exceptions, like cages for fierce beasts to lock us up, but otherwise we were basically treated like cattle.
“Witch’s crafts—even the not-so-great ones—can be sold for a lot of money outside the kingdom. Mostly medicine. It draws the Church’s attention, but thanks to that, our treasury is quite loaded.”
“That’s awesome. With that kind of money, I’m sure the kid is doing great.”
I thought he’d give me an affirmation, but Pooch paused for a moment before saying, “Yeah, I guess.”
“Did something happen?”
“I’m sure the young lady will tell you, but anyway. Things aren’t looking too good. We’re already having trouble dealing with the Church and the neighboring states, but now some Mages have recently begun to dislike the young lady’s methods. She’s very careful about granting permission to use Magic, and the apprentices who can’t get them are getting frustrated.”
“She would have expected that,” Zero said. “If anything, it would be strange to not hear any grievances.”
“That’s true, but I heard that some sorcerer is gathering those people together and plotting something.”
“Whoa, hold up. Another civil war? And it’s gonna be between witches this time?”
“They haven’t made any specific move yet, but the young lady is on edge. Word is that the sorcerer is so handsome that once you see him, you’ll never forget his face again. We tried looking for him, but to no avail.”
“If the information’s already reached the kid, then he must be really influential.”
Pooch’s ears drooped. “That’s why she’s on edge.”
“I understand now,” Zero said. “I know why Thirteenth, who was supposed to be in Moonsbow Forest, was not in the cellar. He must have sensed the lass’s predicament and returned to Wenias.”
Pooch’s expression turned grim at the mention of Thirteenth’s name. It was so blatant that it caught me off guard.
“Oh, sorry,” he said. “I suppose you don’t know yet. It’s true that Thirteenth is back in Wenias. But there was trouble, and—”
The carriage suddenly shook and stopped in its tracks. The horses neighed.
“What’s going on?! Another attack?!”
I quickly grabbed my sword and leapt out of the carriage. I couldn’t believe my eyes for a moment.
“What the hell is this?”
Countless, extremely long tree branches had intertwined, forming a wall that blocked the roard. Caught in the branches, the horses and the driver were high up overhead. The ropes connecting the carriages to the horses were torn off, leaving us completely immobile.
“This is Magic, right?”
“Not from the Grimoire of Zero,” Zero said, smiling. She looked excited and bitter at the same time. “It seems that someone besides Sanare who can use their own Magic has appeared. I was expecting it to take a little longer to get to this stage, but it seems I was too optimistic.”
“I’m honored,” someone said. “I never thought I’d hear that from a Murky Darkness witch.” Their voice sounded sweet and deep.
I turned toward the voice, the fur on my tail standing on end. I didn’t notice their presence until they said something. Once I did, my nose caught a whiff of a strong and sickly-sweet scent wafting in the air. It almost numbed my sense of smell.
“But I didn’t create the Magic myself. I just took a spell from the Grimoire of Zero and modified it to make it easier for me to use. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Thirteenth.”
It was a beautiful woman who I could only describe as captivating. Wearing heavy make-up, she had lush and fiery red hair that went all the way down to her waist. Her broad shoulders and long legs gave her an air of dignity that overwhelmed anyone who saw her.
From the tips of her toes to the top of her head, she showed no opening. I could see her moderately toned muscles even underneath her clothes. And to top it all off, her massive breasts lifted the robe that covered her entire body.
I swallowed. “This one’s big.”
“Where are you looking?” Zero gave me a rare, cold stare.
I wasn’t talking about her breasts. I swear.
“Witch, did you say Thirteenth?” Zero asked. “Did he order this attack?”
“Attack? That’s too violent. I made sure that no one was hurt.”
“I asked if Thirteenth ordered this,” Zero repeated.
The woman looked distressed. “Your personality is just as Thirteenth described. And no, I’m not doing this under his orders. He wants to see you, and I thought that if I took you with me, that frown of his would turn upside down. I would appreciate it if you followed me quietly. What do you think? Would you be willing to cooperate?” She smiled at Zero.
Zero removed her hood, revealing her face, and replied with a soft smile. “Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement with someone. Kindly tell Thirteenth that I will see him afterwards. His turn will come later. Or…” She looked at me, Pooch, the priest, and then Lily. “Do you wish to take me by force?”
“So that’s how it’s going to be. Now what? I never even imagined taking a girl by force. So not my character. Besides, I can’t stand blood. I can’t even kill a chicken without crying. I don’t think there’s any need for fighting, though. You might be interested in what I have to share.” She paused. “About Cestum.”
I glanced at Zero. The invitation seemed to be worth changing our plans.
“Use Flagis! Your target: the trees! Fire!”
A shrill voice reverberated throughout the woods. Countless flame snakes flew through the air and coiled around branches wriggling eerily.
Black smoke billowed as the trees burst into flames, and the horse and driver trapped in the branches fell to the ground.
When the wind blew the black smoke away, a petite blonde brat appeared.
“Mercenary! Zero! I’m so glad you’re safe!”
The way she flashed a broad smile looked charming, but when I saw the mixed troop of knights and Mages deployed behind her, I couldn’t remain calm.
“She has become a fine leader,” Zero said.
“What’s she even doing here?” I murmured. “She’s a bigshot now.”
Overhearing our conversation, Albus frowned. “You should be delighted I appeared, and with style! I just saved your butts!”
“Uh, we weren’t really in any danger,” I said.
“I would not lose to an insignificant witch,” Zero added.
“You’re both still annoying, I see.” Albus glared at the woman. “Thirteenth’s underling. I knew you’d make a move once Zero and Mercenary arrived. Unfortunately for you, they’re my precious friends. You will never have them!”
Silently, the woman lowered her long eyelashes and muttered something.
If I heard her right, she said, “What a foolish girl.” Her voice held pity rather than disgust.
“Hmm. With so many people here, it would be socially impolite to invite only Zero. Unfortunately, I will have to take my leave today.”
But Albus would have none of it. “You’re not going anywhere! I’ll make you tell me where Thirteenth is. All hands, chant! Target: the red-haired witch!”
“Hey! Wait a sec, you—”
Before I could finish, the Mages behind Albus cast Steim. But the spells didn’t reach the woman. Instead they vanished mid-air, deflected by some other Magic.
“What?!” Albus’s breath caught, and the woman gave a smug grin.
“Stand down, Sept!” a man’s angry voice echoed. “I ordered you to wait for the right time!” The voice sounded familiar.
I searched for its source and found them deep in the forest, a black-robed figure standing on a tree branch. I didn’t need to look at his face; the distinctive staff on his hand told me who he was.
“Thirteenth?!”
The red-haired woman turned around, her eyes wide open. “Y-You idiot! Why’d you come here?!”
“Is it not obvious? I can’t afford to lose you.”
Wait, what? You have a thing going on? Master and apprentice? That’s kinda messed up.
While I was occupied by my vulgar imagination, the situation turned grave.
“Everyone, concentrate fire!” Albus shouted. “Kill Thirteenth!”
The group of Mages began chanting in unison.
Wait a minute. What the hell is going on here?! Didn’t Thirteenth say he would help Albus? I thought Albus forgave him—I guess not forgave, more like tolerated—and decide to use his power?
So why was she trying to kill Thirteenth?
It was clear that something happened while we were away. We communicated through the Witch Letter, but we didn’t know anything.
“Hey, kid! Why are you—”
“Stop it, you buffoons!”
Zero’s resounding voice shook the air, and all the Mages stopped moving. Even Albus stiffened.
The place went silent in an instant. Only Thirteenth was unfazed by Zero. He took the opportunity to turn around, his long robe flaring behind.
“Find me, Zero,” he said. “I will tell you everything then. Let’s go, Sept!”
“Don’t be so mad,” the red-haired witch said. “I was just trying to be helpful. See you later, Zero.”
Thirteenth and the mysterious witch disappeared, as if melting into the darkness, the latter sending a flying kiss.
Albus finally snapped back to her senses. Lifting her eyebrows, she rushed to Zero. “Why’d you get in the way?! I almost killed him!”
“Calm down, lass. That is my only brethren and my last colleague. If you wish to kill him, you must have a valid reason.”
“Can’t you see?! Thirteenth betrayed us! He’s trying to throw Wenias into chaos again!”
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