Chapter 133 - Returning Home (1/2)

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Regarding Gawain’s third request, Viscount Andrew agreed with equal readiness.

Although he didn’t know why Gawain wanted to bring so many people who were literate in words and numbers to his territory, he wasn’t too interested in that. In his heart, that was the most insignificant request amongst the three. Although literate people were the minority, to the prosperous Tanzan Town, finding such a group of people who were educated yet down and out wasn’t that difficult. He could easily pull out a number of them from the chambers of commerce and churches.

Long-term purchase of magic materials at a low price, gathering people, recruiting middle- to low-level intellectuals; after he was done with these three matters, Gawain then seemed to casually mention those ancient remains that Viscount Andrew had dug out from under his own territory.

“I’m afraid I do know about those remnants that you mentioned.” Gawain did not mention the same remnants existing in the Dark Range but directly used his ‘ancient-person identity’ to open the conversation. “You know, I was active seven hundred years ago — that was when the Gondor Empire was still thriving. According to the empire’s history that I’ve grasped, the ruins that appeared in this area are highly likely to be the ‘outpost research station’ left behind from the Meteoric Era of the Gondor Empire, and most likely, the middle to later period of that era.

Viscount Andrew clearly wasn’t an ignorant person (in fact, other than a weirdo like Rebecca, there was barely anyone amongst the kingdom’s aristocrats who was bad at history). He immediately revealed a surprised expression. “Isn’t that about a thousand years ago?! Those ancient magical mechanisms inside were actually still operating!”

“That’s right. Ancient ruins from a thousand years before. The magical equipment inside was still usable. This isn’t something unimaginable for the Gondor Empire in those years. Compared to those magical mechanisms, the Eternal Stone Tablet fragment that was also sealed in the remnants is more worrying.” Gawain shook his head. “Even the Gondor Empire then was considerably concerned with the Eternal Stone Slate. They would not leave such an important ‘sacred object’ in the abandoned research station and disregard it without any reason.”

Viscount Andrew’s brows gradually knitted tightly. He had detected the significance in Gawain’s words and only spoke up after a long while, “I had thought I discovered a mountain of treasures. Only now did I realize that the Leslie Clan had been sitting on a volcano for generations…”

Then he lifted his head to look at Gawain, his expression extremely solemn and serious. “I know what you mean, and I also know that you’re the person who knows the Gondor Empire best. — I’m afraid not a single scholar in this generation can surpass your knowledge and experience in this aspect. So I hope to be able to receive your guidance in the matters regarding the underground ruins.”

Gawain wore a small smile. This was truly a sensible decision; this Viscount clearly hadn’t let that possible ‘treasure’ go to his head — or rather, he had been carried away by it, but after having gone through so much and learning the truth behind the remnants, he had completely calmed down.

A fragment of the Eternal Stone Slate had caused great turmoil here, and something more dangerous and more frightening than the Eternal Stone Slate might still be sealed in those remnants. No one needed to say this; the people present here at this very moment could probably all imagine it.

Oh, Amber who stood beside him might not. She was currently looking at the roof in a daze, pondering about something. It most likely had something to do with dinner.

“I suggest you explore those crypts and corridors with greater caution, but no matter what unfamiliar items you find, it’s best that you come and consult me with them,” Gawain said while nodding. “Of course, you could also call a halt to the exploration. That is the safer option. In short, those things are in your territory. You can deal with them however you like.”

At present, it was getting late. The party decided to stay in this castle that was gradually putting a magic atrocity behind them. Early morning the next day, Gawain bade farewell to Viscount Andrew and left the place with the others.

Watching the heralds who were running along the streets of the town loudly announcing the new orders from the Feudal Lord’s castle, Gawain lightly heaved a sigh of relief.

In the foreseeable future, Viscount Andrew would probably be exceptionally busy. Due to the aftermath of the heretic cult believer’s attack, a brief few days were enough to accumulate inconceivable havoc, and this disorder wouldn’t be easy to handle. The confinement ban needed to be removed; big merchants and mine owners had to be placated; the people who died in this crisis also had to be buried… But all those were not his affairs to be concerned about.

The party left Tanzan Town. Looking back at the town gates that were again wide open, Amber could not help but turn and give Gawain a curious glance. “Say, you’re really honest. That Viscount Andrew is in his weakest time, and you were holding his life in your hands. To be honest, to the craftiest aristocrats, seizing the chance to gobble up the Leslie Clan’s properties was a possibility, yet you actually didn’t take advantage of this fish in troubled water?”

Gawain looked at Amber and revealed a meaningful smile. “No, you don’t understand. I have already taken advantage.”

Amber frowned as she surveyed Gawain for a long time. “You didn’t sleep well last night huh? You’re speaking gibberish?”

Yet Gawain only smiled and did not explain fully.

“First, we’ll make a trip back to Goering Mill”—he lifted his hand to point in the southeast direction—”and pick up that little mute. He’s the person who saved Sir Byron.”

Sir Byron looked toward Gawain, slightly moved. “Thank you for your benevolence, but that child is very likely the ‘asset’ of a certain wealthy merchant in Tanzan Town. If we take him away directly…”

Gawain waved his hand. “I’ve mentioned this matter to Viscount Andrew already. He will search for the child’s owner and help us redeem the child’s freedom. All these are trivial issues. There’s no need to be bothered.”

In the dilapidated and abandoned Goering Mill, they saw that mute child once again.

The mute child completely remembered Gawain’s instructions to him before he left. He’d stayed in the mill for the past day and night awaiting their return. When Byron and Gawain — these two sturdy figures — first climbed out of the forest, this child had a small campfire in the empty space before the mill and was conscientiously roasting a bunch of unknown dried fruits that he had picked from the forest.

Upon seeing Gawain and company return safe and sound, the mute child instantly let out a ‘cheer’ and then ran over to them happily. He stretched out his hand before Sir Byron; in his hand was a bunch of freshly roasted dried fruits.

“It seems that he likes you a lot.” Amber grinningly gave the middle-aged knight a glance. “He even left food for you.”

“I’ve never been a person who’s well-liked by children.” Byron took the dried fruits and used his other hand to scratch his own hair, feeling rather embarrassed. “I don’t know what’s going on either.”

Sir Philip mused for a moment and then asked Byron very seriously, “I remember you’ve yet to get married?”