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Chapter 65
Chapter 65
[Translator - Jjescus ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Chapter: 65
"First, let's discuss the results of the investigation. It's been confirmed that Barres, Mayor Brook and the Holy Kingdom were involved. The assassins seem to have been acting independently of the previous incident."
Despite the incident involving a serious blunder by the Royal Knight, the investigation was conducted with the utmost rigor.
Given Leon's involvement, no mistakes were tolerated.
"Did the assassins confess? They seemed the type to welcome death rather than speak..."
Cowen thought back to the fanatical assassins.
They seemed like the kind of people who would smile even while being tortured.
However, this was an age of advanced technology.
"The Royal Knights have a variety of magical tools and potions for interrogation. Even a highly trained assassin would find it difficult to resist completely."
The King's orders must be carried out swiftly and efficiently.
Even the time spent on torture was considered disrespectful.
Nevertheless, since these methods were safe and proven, even Leon did not hesitate to use them.
"If it's a separate incident, will they continue investigating that as well?"
"Given that they mentioned the titles of Archbishop and Bishop, they will investigate as much as possible. Even if they can't challenge the Holy Kingdom, thay can use this as a card to play later."
The King hoped to gain political advantage from this incident.
However, the Holy Kingdom did not seem to value the captured assassin.
After all, there is no nation stronger than them in this world.
"It's fortunate for Edlen."
"Fortunate? What do you mean?"
When Hanbit made the remark, everyone looked at him with puzzled expressions.
He explained, recalling the inner workings of the Holy Kingdom.
"The spies planted by the Holy Kingdom must still be scattered throughout Edlen. Information about the kingdom would be constantly flowing to them."
"There are more spies...?"
"It's a nation skilled in information warfare. In any case, now that such a great disturbance has occurred in Edlen, there's no reason for them to use them again. Since the traces of the Spirit King have also been declared extinct, they will turn their attention elsewhere."
"...I see. Indeed, they have no reason to be interested now."
It was crucial to escape the Holy Kingdom's target.
He didn't want Lia to live in fear for the rest of her life.
However, the person involved was curious about something else.
"What happened to Uncle?"
"As expected, Brook has been sentenced to death. Even though he confessed the details of the incident, his crimes were too great."
Brook, who had been transported while trembling with fear, had desperately sought the Holy Kingdom and the Bishop.
Then, in a desperate attempt to save himself, he had cooperated with the investigation, but the outcome was obvious.
"...What about DAd’d crime? Wasn't it revealed that there were spies from the Holy Kingdom in other cities as well?"
"His Majesty has personally issued a decree. He has declared that he will exert himself to restore the honor of the William and Norton families. Perhaps... he might even visit Edlen in person to apologize."
"What?"
"Did you say His Majesty is coming?"
-The King is coming;
-Was the King that kind of person?
-No, he's just a self-centered man.
-He's dogmatic, but he's good at putting on a show.
Lia and Cowen's eyes widened at the news of the King's visit.
'That was the kind of man he was.'
The King of Raven was by no means a benevolent ruler.
He pursued a kingdom that was, in the extreme, of, by, and for himself.
It was fortunate that he at least considered the opinions of the people.
Or rather, he simply enjoyed being idolized.
"It's just a possibility. Don't worry too much about it for now. I've prepared a written summary of the details of the incident, so I'll send it to you separately. And..."
Henry turned his gaze to Hanbit.
Then, he suddenly placed his right hand over his left chest and bowed his head.
It was the posture a nobleman would take when showing respect.
"Adventurer Black Dragon, you are a savior. Thank you for pulling me, Liventia , Edlen... and William out of the darkness. Whatever I can do, I will repay your kindness with my life."
Following Henry, Cowen also expressed his gratitude.
Lia also got up from her seat and approached.
"If it weren't for you... I couldn't have done anything, let alone start. Because at some point, I thought it was impossible to restore Dad’s honor. Thank you so much."
Their first meeting was a game of tag with the reward of Swiftness skill.
The time they spent with Artsvel, Flona, and Ruby.
Who could have imagined that it would lead to this?
"I've just been lucky," Hanbit said, shaking his head as he listened to everyone's thanks. "I just happened to find the clues your father left behind at the right time."
-He was lucky.
-He has read the original novel, he’s indeed lucky.
-If I'd only read that, I'd be part of the advance team.
-But you also need talent for that...
The viewers were hooked on the original novel, but Hanbit truly didn't believe in his own abilities.
Even though he'd used his past knowledge and experience, it was only possible thanks to William's meticulous preparations.
If any of the pieces, from Cowen and Camon to the vassals, had been missing, the plan wouldn't have worked.
"..."
Lia gently stroked the ring on her finger.
She knew that the long-held grudge, the revenge she'd been seeking, was different from her father's wish. He had dreamed of her happiness, not his own honor.
But in Edlen, with the people watching, regaining her father's honor held immense significance for her.
"Thank you anyway. Cowen, Uncle Henry, Artsvel, Flona, and everyone else who helped. I don't know if I can repay all of you... but I'll never forget it."
Though Lia was usually uncomfortable with effusive compliments, her words were filled with sincerity. This situation felt almost too good to be true.
"Your thanks are enough. As I said before, I needed your help too."
"That's right."
Henry reached into his pocket and pulled out two envelopes.
"I talked to Leon, the Vice-Captain, after hearing Cowen's story. She asked me to give you these letters. She said to open the blue one."
"Thank you."
Understanding its significance, Hanbit opened the blue envelope.
<I heard you want to join the Investigation Corps. I'll report your achievements to His Majesty, but it would be wise to prepare a bit more. I recommend going to the city of Ifrit first. Give the other letter to the mayor there. I'll see you in the royal capital.>
-Oh.
-Leon's connecting us to the next episode;
-I only got one from Cowen...
-I want a letter from her too.
Leon's voice seemed to echo in the letter. The fact that she sent this personally meant that she had a high opinion of Hanbit.
As always, his next destination would be Ifrit, but this time things were different. This was the first time he would be entering the city with his current strength.
"I'll let the Adventurer's Guild in Ifrit know as well. It'll be a good place to build up your achievements."
"Thank you. That'll save me a lot of time. Thank you, Henry as well."
After thanking them, Hanbit looked around at everyone.
Despite experiencing similar situations many times, he felt a different kind of emotion.
Even though he'd been forcibly dragged to another world by a goddess, they were still precious to him.
That fact would never change.
"Are you really leaving now?"
Lia asked with a hint of sadness in her voice, watching him pack his things.
She was naturally affectionate and didn't like goodbyes.
"I'll visit again after I'm done with my business in Ifrit."
"...Okay, then. Are you going to see Artsvel?"
"I'll stop by her shop. I have something to ask her."
"I want to come too... but I've got a lot on my plate now."
As the head of the Norton family, Lia had become very busy.
Fortunately, she had many people to help her, and Henry would handle most of the affairs.
Eventually, she would even become the mayor of Edlen, but that was a story for another time.
"So, this is really goodbye then. I won't embarrass myself by running out to see you off."
"Take care of yourself. And don't run away again."
"Ugh!"
Lia playfully frowned at his teasing remark.
Leaving her behind, Hanbit exited the reception room.
"Thank you... truly."
A faint voice drifted from behind.
Then, an alarm sounded in his ears.
Ding-!
[Main Quest #16 completed.]
[Progress increases.]
[Progress 100%.]
[Episode 1 completed.]
[Achievement Unlocked: Walker of the True Path]
[Maximum amount awarded for first achievement.]
[Received 1,000,000 gold.]
[Received 40 stat points.]
[Received 400,000 experience points.]
[Level increased by 7.]
[Received 7 stat points.]
-What?
-Damn, lol
-40 stat points, and 400,000 experience?
-Damn your character is so OP.
-What's the 'Walker of the True Path' achievement?
-Adventurer A +1 stack of tears.
-Wow, you finished super fast;
-The player who only now realized they're screwed, respect.
[Sogeokim has donated 50,000 gold.]
[Speedrun, lol]
[?? has donated 77,777 gold.]
[Amazing.]
[JeonglingSahyeop has donated 100,000 gold.]
[Our spirit, hwaiting!]
[Avangarde has donated 1,000,000 gold.]
[This was a route I never imagined!]
‘Crazy.’
Messages kept popping up along with the alarms.
The chat and donations were non-stop.
But then, something strange happened.
Bzzt-!
The screen shook slightly with a vibration.
Wondering what was happening, a golden message suddenly appeared at the top.
[Player Black Dragon's party has succeeded in the condemnation of Barres.]
[A special reward will be given to the player who first reached the truth in Episode 1. After a
24-hour preparation period, rewards based on contributions will be given in the inventory.]
[Players who have cleared Episode 1 will be given the opportunity to reset and replay.]
[Some of the private areas will be opened.]
[Translator - Jjescus ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]