The 31st Piece Turns the Tables
chapter-149

It was a shocking offer.

The sponsorship offer from a Pandean resident came as a shock, not just to Seol, the transferee, but also to Chameli and Filia, who sat beside him.

“My… sponsor?”

“Precisely.”

Earl Brispin glanced at Chameli and Filila, causing them to immediately rise to their feet.

"It doesn't seem appropriate for us to listen in on this, so we'll wait outside.”

“Thank you.”

After a quick second, only Seol and Earl Brispin were left in the room.

‘Why is he trying to become my sponsor?”

Earl Brispin's unexpected offer left Seol confused and taken aback.

Earl Brispin, catching this, continued speaking.

"Do not fret. There is no malice behind my request, as you might fear, akin to the actions of a fallen noble.”

- Is this some prank? LOL

- How did he know haha

- Are we sure this isn’t illegal?

Seol gave a clean answer.

"This is the first time I've heard of a Pandean resident sponsoring a transferee. I'm just worried about how this could negatively affect each other.”

“The times are changing.”

“......”

"Do not assume that Pandeans are foolish. Just as there are transferees who are unhappy with the current societal system, there are also nobles who remain vigilant against transferees as a whole."

“...You are correct.”

"Ever so slowly… the rift between them is growing. Friction among us resembles dried leaves, stacking higher and higher in the world… with a single ember capable of igniting it all."

- What the fuck is he talking about?

- Basically, friction is growing between them.

- Ah.

Earl Brispin calmly continued.

"Of course, the likelihood of something happening immediately is extremely low. Nonetheless, I am concerned for the future. If you were to accept my sponsorship, I would not impose any restrictions on you. The only thing I would offer is to relieve you of any troublesome matters while you are in Nevenia."

“Hm…”

"You may have concerns that I would attempt to utilize you as a political tool, but I can assure you that this is absolutely not the case."

- It’s all for your best interests (mine*)

- You won’t lose anything from this (you will*)

- I must be cheating you out of something (yup)

These conditions were quite good.

‘I doubt anyone would try to pick a fight with me while I have the earl’s sponsorship.’

Who would dare to mess with someone who’s not only strong, but also has the backings of an earl?

However, these kinds of trades always had a catch. A condition that could come to bite Seol in the back at a later date.

Seol carefully opened his mouth.

“Earl Brispin… then what do you want from me?”

The answer that Seol received was also unexpected.

"What I require from you at this moment... I'm uncertain. Nothing comes to mind at present."

“...What?”

"As I mentioned earlier, this is an investment for the future. All I ask is that you lend me your ear when I find myself in an urgent situation down the road. That would suffice."

“Does this also mean you won’t make any unreasonable requests?”

“I cannot promise that. I could make an unreasonable request to you. However, I will not coerce you into doing so.”

“Hm…”

"And if you do choose to accept that ‘unreasonable request’, I promise to provide you with a suitable reward for your assistance."

Seol couldn’t quite see into Earl Brispin’s mind, but this conversation did jog his memory about recent news he'd heard concerning events unfolding throughout Nevenia.

‘There have been fights between transferees and the existing leaders… Is Earl Brispin trying to prepare for that?’

If things took a turn for the worse, a conflict could erupt between the Nevenian monarchy and the transferees, the emerging new power, potentially leading to extensive and devastating bloodshed.

Seol surmised that Earl Brispin was devising a contingency plan, anticipating the possibility of such a problem arising.

"We could even document this if you find it hard to trust me. Although your freedom to travel might limit your assistance to me, rest assured, I will still provide valuable support to you. Do you have any plans to leave the kingdom?"

"I might, but it won’t be anytime soon."

"Then this deal would be even more advantageous for you."

[[Earl Brispin has offered to become your sponsor. How do you respond?]

1. I dislike you, Brispin.

2. Okay.

3. I was hoping for an even closer relationship.

4. Are there any other rewards that you could offer me?

……]

Seol thought to himself for a second before nodding to Earl Brispin.

[Faction Formed: You have established a friendly relationship with Earl Brispin.]

[Rumors about you are growing louder among the populace.]

[Rumors about you are spreading throughout Illia.]

‘I still can’t forget that night.’

‘There really is such a thing as a hero!’

‘Tch… Everyone’s calling him a hero when he barely did anything…’

‘He’s just Earl Brispin’s puppet in the end.’

Seol scoffed after reading some of the rumors on his interface.

"What's wrong?" asked Chameli, who was by Seol's side.

"It's nothing, nothing at all. More importantly... What did you wish to speak to me about?"

“Ah, it’s about your rewards…”

“Right, the holy relic.”

"Yes, we've properly rewarded Filia, so the only thing left is to reward you, Snowman, but..."

Chameli and the Black Pilgrims had promised Seol a holy relic in exchange for his aid with the Black Knight. Now, all that remained was for them to uphold their promise.

‘The way she said ‘but’ near the end… something’s off.’

Chameli avoided Seol’s gaze as if she had committed a crime. Seol’s worries grew with each passing moment.

‘Don’t tell me… is she not going to give me the holy relic?’

Seol’s mood soured in an instant. The only thoughts on his mind were to hold them accountable to their promise by any means necessary.

“There’s… a problem.”

“Don’t tell me you can’t give me my rewards…”

Chameli’s eyes were wide with shock as she asked back.

“What? Us?”

“You… can?”

"Of course we can. Upholding a promise is the duty of those who hold faith in god.”

“...Then what’s the problem?”

“The holy relic we mentioned before… it isn’t in our hands yet. It will take some time for us to give you your rewards.”

“What do you mean?”

Chameli scratched her head awkwardly.

"As it so happens, the holy relic keeper of the parish is currently researching it. Once we retrieve it from him, we will be able to reward you with it.”

As the name implied, the 'holy relic keeper’ was the individual responsible for maintaining the holy relics.

Their knowledge of holy relics was extensive, like the expertise blacksmiths possess with metals. Additionally, they were also capable of enhancing and refining holy relics. Given their uniqueness, even vicars hesitated to handle them carelessly.

“Would it be difficult to retrieve the item from them?”

"Not at all. It's not that, it's just... the holy relic keeper is in Timbrian, so it would take some time for us to bring the holy relic back to Illia..."

“That’s a relief.”

“Hm?”

“I planned to head to Timbrian after this anyway.”

“Then would it be alright if we accompanied you?”

“Yes, that wouldn’t be a problem at all.”

Even though Timbrian was quite far from Illia, it was still close enough that Seol would be able to get the holy relic before the Rest fully ended.

‘Regardless, Timbrian, huh… Gyeongtaek should be there already.’

- I was originally in Timbrian when a noble there asked me to acquire something.

Seol now had the chance to have a proper conversation with him.

‘After all, I was busy with the Black Knight then…’

As Seol pondered, Chameli interrupted him to say something important.

"By the way... You intend to use Agony, correct?"

"Yes, that's right."

"...I personally believe that abominations are manifestations of evil, and that humans and abominations cannot coexist, much like water and oil."

“......”

"However, it is also true that if there were a human capable of wielding one, it would be you. After all, you defeated the Black Knight, Agony’s previous wielder. So, on that note... we would also be open to assisting you with Agony."

Seol was shocked. He did not expect this offer from Chameli at all.

“What? Really?”

"Yes, if our assistance can be of benefit to you, we shall serve as the foundation that enables you to reach higher. In fact, our holy relic keeper has experience dealing with abominations before. So, if things don't work out with the person Earl Brispin introduced you to, feel free to turn to us."

“Thank you so much… really.”

Although Seol's reward was slightly delayed, it was quite alright as he unexpectedly received assistance from them as well.

“So… when will we be departing?” asked Chameli.

“I plan to leave tomorrow.”

“Th-that soon?”

* * *

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

Rattle…

The wagon rattled as it crushed stones beneath its wheels.

“...The roads here are a bit rough,” said Seol.

“People don’t travel here often, after all,” responded Chameli.

"I’m sorry for inconveniencing you... Especially since we didn't necessarily need to travel together like this..."

"Traveling together is quite pleasant though, wouldn't you agree? Even if it is just a short journey to Timbrian, it is enjoyable to travel with you."

Seol and Chameli were currently on the road to their next destination.

And since Seol was also the type to leave immediately after concluding their business, it would take a while for the residents of Illia to realize he was gone.

Filia and Seol also had a surprisingly cordial farewell.

- Well then, see you next time.

The two added each other as friends, clearly intending to ask each other for help when needed.

However, if there was any confusion about the rough road between Illia and Timbrian, two neighboring cities, it was because Seol and Chameli weren’t headed directly to Timbrian at the moment. They were making a stop beforehand.

Neigh…

“We’ve arrived, vicar.”

“Ah, let us get off the wagon now.”

They arrived at a remote area in the forest.

Seol could hear the sounds of birds chirping here and there, yet instead of finding it beautiful, it sent chills down his spine.

There, a lone, secluded cabin stood.

It seemed like a house straight out of a fairy tale.

Seol recalled Earl Brispin’s words as he stepped out of the carriage.

- Here's the letter of recommendation. If the old man still resides in that cabin, all you have to do is hand this letter to him. As long as you don't bother him too much, he'll at least read it.

As Seol slowly made his way toward the cabin, the door suddenly slammed open, breaking off its hinges, and a lively old man emerged with a thunderous voice.

Snap!

“Fucking hell… Who the hell is making so much noise this early in the morning? Are you thieves?”

“......”

- His personality is a bit… foul before you get to know him. So be careful.

The old man stared directly at Seol.

“And who the fuck is this? Who sent you? You don’t look like an idiot who’d get lost in the forest…”

- Woah, it’s a homeless person.

- Technically, he does have a home…

- Do you think he’ll bite your hand off if you try to hand the letter to him?

- Maybe he’ll beat you up with the letter instead…

Seol quickly pulled out the letter of recommendation before the old man could slam the door on his face.

“Are you Frannan?”

“I am. So?”

“Here, I have a letter of recommendation.”

Slap!

The old man swatted the letter away.

“Fuck off! Anyone with half a brain would've told you that giving me a recommendation letter like this wouldn't have done jack shit."

- Before you go, purchase some alcohol that costs at least 10 gold coins. He enjoys his drink, so don't be too surprised if he's a bit unsteady on his feet.

Creak…

Seol pulled out a crate from the wagon.

“If you’re trying to buy me off with gold… mm… sniff sniff… this is…?”

Click…

The crate was filled with expensive alcohol.

“I’ve brought some liquor to celebrate the occasion.”

Frannan’s expression changed instantly.

“So, where were you guys from? It’s a bit chilly outside, so please, come in.”

Frannan immediately called for his servant.

“Oi, hurry up and light the fireplace.”

“Yes, sir.”

As Seol, Chameli, and a few pilgrims stepped into Frannan’s house, it began to fill up rather swiftly.

“Even if it’s a bit cold inside, please understand. I prefer the cold.”

"That's perfectly fine."

“Now, why don’t we read that recommendation letter?”

Even though Frannan had swatted the recommendation letter into the air earlier, it somehow found its way back into his hands, being read. Near the halfway point of the letter, his face stiffened. He tossed it aside and turned his gaze toward Seol.

“Take it out.”

“Huh?”

“The item. Bring it out.”

Seol carefully placed Agony on the table.

Click.

Agony, once again, was loudly causing a commotion.

[Hehehehe! Geezer, I like your mana! If you kill everyone in front of you, I’ll give you more power!]

“What atrocity is this?”

“ This is Agony, the spirit inside the sword.”

“...Can you make it shut up?”

“Unfortunately, the only way is to scare it…”

“I see. However, it is a shame.”

“Hm?”

Thunk!

Frannan popped open one of the bottles of alcohol that Seol had brought and began gulping it down.

"Kyah… I've never seen anyone survive after handling a demonic spirit—You little! Take that firewood out right away. Are you trying to burn me alive? Our guests are about to leave, so help them on their way."

“Huh? Ah… yes, sir.”

“Has Earl Brispin finally lost his mind? I can’t believe he sent me this crazy…”

- He's rather impatient, so he'll try to resolve the situation as swiftly as he can. Do your best to handle it.

Seol remained seated, responding to Frannan without standing up.

“I can handle Agony, I promise.”

“Like I said, everyone who attempted to use demonic spirits all ended up…”

Slide…

Seol showed Frannan his hand.

More specifically, the rings on his hand, the rewards that Seol acquired from clearing the Labyrinth of Penance.

“...dead. Huh?”

- But despite all that, once he accepts your request, he is dependable. He might not look like much, but he was quite famous even just a few years ago. After all, he was…

Frannan turned to yell at his servant once more.

“What are you doing standing around over there? Light some firewood.”

“......”

- an Aspect Magician, individuals who practically serve as the right-hand men for the 12 tower masters of Zodiac.

Achoo!

Frannan yelled at his servant once more after sneezing.

“And fix the damned door too! Our guests are getting cold!”