Paladin of the Dead God
chapter-164-1

Despite being cursed with ominous portents, it was true that he had embarrassed and driven out the witch who had long been a thorn in the side of the frontier. It was certain that the witch would not appear for at least three years.

The knights had planned to celebrate this victory with a grand banquet, but Isaac sternly refused.

“It’s not a complete victory, just an expulsion. Haven’t the Elil knights achieved this much before? It’s shameful to celebrate such a victory; it could make us complacent in the face of real enemies.”

Isaac’s response not only shamed the Elil knights but also once again praised the nobility of the Holy Grail Knights. However, he allowed a modest gathering for drinking to mourn and comfort those who had fallen during the battle.

As small gatherings took place here and there, villagers brought food and drinks everywhere. Isaac, watching these scenes, was approached by the village chief.

“Holy Grail Knight, thank you so much. I don’t know how to express my gratitude… It would be nice if we had something to give you, but this is a poor village.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Isaac’s response wasn’t for accolades. He genuinely disliked hosting banquets. He might have accepted for the sake of Aldeon Castle’s dignity, but this was a poor village. A grand banquet here would ruin the village’s reserves.

The chief was thus grateful to Isaac. For him, surviving until the harvest was more crucial than catching the witch.

The chief repeatedly thanked Isaac, holding his hand tightly.

‘It’s no wonder the frontier folks fall for ancient gods or witches.’

The exploitation of peasants and serfs in the Gerthonia Empire was significant, but Elil was even more primitive. Despite eating the wheat they farmed, there was a tendency to scorn farming.

In contrast, those serving Hectali in the frontier could safely obtain animals or forest products by offering newborns or hosting bizarre feasts. They could even occasionally grant wishes, albeit capriciously (usually plagues spread by witches).

But what could one pray to Elil?

Should one seize what they desire with their own hands, as the godless say?

‘It’s no wonder Edelred despised knightly faith.’

When playing the game, Isaac liked the Elil faith.

It was nice to become powerful easily, and he liked its simple and hearty approach.

But in reality, Elil faith was merely a martial cult for the elite. Having a strong military might feel impressive and reliable, but they only consumed resources without producing any.

The Codex of Light was better. They might be hypocritical, but at least they looked out for the group.

“By the way, if you go to the forest, you’ll find several dead animals. You can use them for food since they are safe to eat.”

“Really? But, the knights said we shouldn’t touch them since they might be infected by the witch’s plague…”

“Don’t worry. I’ve checked them myself.”

Hectali had sorted out the healthy ones. The infected ones had been sent deep into the caves to rot, so there would be no spread of disease. The chief could believe anything the Grail Knight said, even if it meant the sun rising from the west, and once again thanked him repeatedly before leaving.

“Grail Knight! I was just looking for you.”

Just then, as if on cue, Edelred appeared. He seemed slightly flushed from the drinking, though not drunk.

“I know you don’t like noisy environments, so I arranged a quiet place for you. If it’s alright, I’ll show you there.”

“Thank you. But before we go in, I’d like to take a walk.”

Caught off guard by the sudden request for conversation, Edelred nodded.

“Alright. I actually have something to discuss as well.”

***

“I would like you to tell me about Lianne Georg.”

Isaac inquired about his next opponent, Lianne Georg. The knights’ opinions about her were polarized. She was revered as a deserving Swordmaster but also despised as a traitor.

Isaac knew a bit about her from the game, how strong she was and what abilities she had,but he wanted to ‘understand’ the history and relations of his adversaries.

‘Edelred might provide a more neutral perspective.’

As the wind blew, the grass on the plains swayed gently. Edelred, slightly dazed by the alcohol, stared at the plains and walked slowly.

“Lianne Georg… Let me start with the Georg family. It’s a renowned warrior family. Her father, Vio Georg, was also a Swordmaster, and so was her great-grandfather. They claim that their ancestors came over the sea with Elil, but who really knows the truth.”

‘Indeed, all prominent families in the Elil Kingdom claim their ancestors arrived with Elil… If this were Greece, they’d claim to have mixed blood with the gods.’

But being a living embodiment of an angel like Elil and mixing their blood meant their descendants were Nephilim, considered sinful. So, if it were true, they had to hide it. The best they could do was claim they were comrades of Elil.

“However, it’s true that the Georg family is old. Their swordsmanship has a long history; maybe Elil really did consider them comrades. They also have many connections due to their long history.”

A skilled swordsman living a long life meant having many friends and enemies, likely more enemies.

Isaac felt he understood why the Georg family received so much respect yet never became royalty.

“Many people respect Lianne Georg. But there are just as many who despise the Georg family. During the Saltain massacre alone, oh, those fishermen… Although it was commanded by the former king, it was madness. Bio Georg received a curse and died because of that event.”

“That sounds important. Could you tell me more about that?”

“Hmm.”

Edelred coughed and continued with a somber expression.

“The Georg family was originally a major contributor to our house, the Aldeon family, becoming kings. Although the kingship of the Elil Kingdom was held by Aldeon, the noble task of guarding the Holy Land was entrusted to the Georg family. Consequently, they relinquished some of their autonomy and power due to their role as the Guardians of the Holy Land.”

Since its establishment, the Elil Kingdom had seen its dynasties change several times under the principle that the strong possess everything. Even the current Aldeon dynasty was once considered nothing more than usurpers.

On the other hand, the Holy Land Elion, where the remains of Elil were entombed, had been venerated for hundreds of years. The Georg family had long been tasked with protecting this land, effectively holding a kingdom within a kingdom due to the autonomy and power they were granted.

“However, it seems my father, the late King Alfred, did not approve. Well, he was a man who, consumed by suspicion and madness, killed friends and relatives alike. How must the Georg family have appeared in his eyes?”

Edelred, whether due to drunkenness or pretending to be drunk to speak his mind, hurled insults about his father.

“…So did he try to purge the Georg family too?”

“No. The former king was mad, but not stupid. Attacking a deeply established founding family like the Georg without cause would have unsettled the other nobles too much.