The Arrow of Destiny Cuts Through the Night

#65

Unknown territory.

Once, humans were allowed to live under the World Tree Gallia.

“Why are humans curious about what’s beyond the Fiokhim Mountains?”

Kain slightly tilted his head and frowned. He remembered the elders who had opposed coming down to the human realm until the end.

Elves were among those who rather welcomed separation from humans. The case of the elf Nereides, who was betrayed by her human mate, was decisive. In fact, if Kain Starchis’s destined partner hadn’t been human, he would never have considered coming down to the human realm.

“They’re probably not interested in the vast forests of Fiokhim.”

“If they use that route, the trade route with the Harmens Kingdom would be reduced to a third.”

“Harmens Kingdom… you mean the dwarves?”

“That’s right. There are many metals that can only be mined and smelted there. Whichever kingdom secures that trade route first will likely gain hegemony over the entire continent. The Arkner Empire is trying to preempt that to keep them in check.”

“…The dwarves probably won’t welcome the creation of a trade route.”

Already well aware of their nasty temperament, Kain snickered. They’re probably still hammering away, unable to even imagine what humans are thinking.

He had received thanks several times from dwarves, who are so bad at expressing emotions, saying that humans rarely come due to the high and treacherous Fiokhim Mountains and the elves.

If the route opens, they might have to be prepared for deteriorating relations with the dwarves. As Kain was lost in these unnecessary thoughts,

“It’s time for them to have a more open mind.”

Jersian had also heard about the dwarves’ temperament. But they can’t live forever without interacting with other kingdoms. That includes the elves.

As Kain listened to Jersian’s words, he thought to himself, ‘This is exactly what you’d call a human-centric way of thinking.’ And there are things that are absolutely impossible no matter how much humans want them.

“Even if the elves allow it, it would be difficult to cross the Fiokhim Mountains with a human body.”

To cross the Fiokhim Mountains, which are covered in snow all year round, it would take several days of climbing. It’s a climb up a mountain with deep snow, no place to rest, and no rocks to hide from the sharp wind. The same goes for carriages. Horses won’t move in the extreme cold.

So only races that can move without sleep or food for at least a week can reach the other side of the Fiokhim Mountains.

Choosing the sea route would be foolish. Ships full of humans are useful prey for the Kraken. If luck is worse, they might be kidnapped by sirens and torn apart alive.

Using a relatively safe land route to reach the Harmens Kingdom, which until now could only be reached by risking one’s life, is a tremendous development. Jersian thought so and replied with a cynical tone.

“Anyway, getting permission from the elves is the trickiest part. The rest are just secondary issues.”

Even the speaker’s voice was cold and detached, as if this could never happen.

“Well, I think so too.”

Kain also thought that the elves wouldn’t open a trade route just for human convenience. The inside of the Fiokhim Mountains is where the World Tree Gallia is located. To begin with, elves who don’t trust other races, especially humans, won’t give humans the chance to discover the World Tree.

They even tried to stop Kain when he said he wanted to come down to the human realm just to find his destined partner.

“…”

Kain looked down at the continental map divided into two large chunks for a moment before speaking.

“How long will it be open?”

“Huh?”

“That competition you said is happening in Whinicer Forest.”

“Ah.”

Jersian slowly took his eyes off the map on the desk. Originally, he was going to tell him about the hunting competition. As they talked with the map open, the conversation topic had drifted too far.

“It will start a week from now and last for two weeks. It’s not long, but it’s not a short time either.”

“I see.”

“Is that all you’re curious about? …You have fewer questions than I expected.”

He had expected Kain to show resistance from the start, just from having to ‘hunt’, but Kain’s reaction was calmer than expected. There was a slight relief in Jersian’s tone. Sensing this, Kain replied with a gentle smile.

“I’m not particularly curious about anything. I’ll find out everything when I participate anyway.”

“…That’s right, you won’t be uncomfortable during your stay as the servants will take care of everything.”

“Alright.”

“And…”

Jersian trailed off after speaking. Hm? As Kain’s gaze fell on him, he continued after contemplating whether to speak or not.

“I sent a few people to confirm if Ernis Claude is really staying in that mansion now. We can check such things with just a little investigation around the area without having to infiltrate.”

“Ah, I see.”

Kain nodded, remembering the conversation they had in front of that mansion while riding horses. The story coming out of Jersian’s mouth now must be the conclusion he had reached after pondering alone. He was trying to listen to Kain’s opinion, albeit slightly.

Jersian crossed his arms and continued speaking quickly with an expression that showed he wasn’t entirely comfortable with the current situation.

“And we need to find out who in this mansion is in cahoots with Ernis Claude. Marchioness Elmerila is publicly supporting the 1st Prince, Kemirun. But someone among the Gerolds supporting another prince might be aiming to bring down the Marchioness. They probably want to get their hands on the Gerold family. Well, I don’t care anymore whether the Gerold Marquis family falls or not…”

Jersian momentarily stopped speaking, looking elsewhere and pouting his lips. Then, he let out a slight sigh and finally furrowed his brow.

“No, to be honest, it’s a lie to say I’m not concerned. The time I spent with Marchioness Elmerila wasn’t short. I think this will be the last time I repay my debt to Elmerila. I’ve already more than paid it back with this.”

Even with just one truth uncovered, complex interests were intertwined. During their horse ride together, such calculations were quickly going back and forth in Jersian’s small head.

As Jersian said, it seems to have been a good choice not to rashly infiltrate that mansion. It was after confirming enough necessary information.

“Quite… complicated.”

Kain muttered as he listened to the underground power struggles between the Gerold Marquis family and the royal family flowing from Jersian’s mouth.

Then Jersian raised his bright red eyes and said,

“That’s why I’ve been telling you to stay out of this all along. I gave you plenty of chances. But the reason I’m telling you this now is because you chose to participate. Don’t regret it later.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

This was what Kain wanted. He will never regret this choice.

* * *

A week had passed, and it was now the week of the hunting competition.

As Kain and Jersian boarded the carriage, Merheim said,

“You two will be staying in different places. I’ll see you there later.”

“Alright.”

Jersian nodded and entered the carriage. There was a click as Merheim closed the door from outside, and his voice saying ‘Let’s depart’ was heard. Then, as if the coachman had gripped the reins tightly, the sound of two horses moving their four legs quickly could be heard.

Jersian glanced at Kain sitting next to him and said,

“Are you going to keep carrying that around?”

His gaze was fixed on the bow and arrows Kain had placed beside him. Although they were heading to a hunting competition, the time royalty and nobles actually held bows in their hands could be counted on one hand. Most of their job was to eat, drink, and play in the evening, then welcome and cheer for the people of their house returning with game.

Jersian, too, had entrusted all equipment to his servant except for the scabbard at his waist.

Kain nodded in response to Jersian’s question and replied,

“Yes, I feel at ease only when I have them with me.”

It was actually true. Although Kain sometimes left them in his room at the Gerold Marquis’s mansion where he had stayed for a long time now, he always made sure to bring his bow and arrows even for light walks. To protect the weak in any situation. This was the reason why Kain had learned and practiced archery for a long time.

“…Do as you please.”

Jersian nodded lightly. Then, inwardly, he thought that indeed, the bow and arrows suited Kain Starchis better than any ornament.