Текст книги "Overlord - The Invaders of the Large Tomb"

Автор книги: Maruyama Kugane

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

"—I'm not sure either. To begin with, I don't understand why they're trying to rush this. I also didn't receive any information on any emergency situations happening to the Earl. It's not as if there are any events or ceremonies coming up in the next few days. The only thing I can think of is that they're afraid the ruins might get discovered by the Kingdom. Hiring multiple teams might just be to raise the success rate?"

"About that, Hekkeran. Did you hear anything from Greenham?"

"There's not much to be said. I only went and asked if they were also contacted, but it seems that they were also coveting for information regarding this commission. It was hard enough not to reveal anything to them."

Hekkeran shrugged helplessly.

"—If that's the case, then perhaps there's a third party who’s also aiming for the ruins?"

"That's definitely a possibility. If that's true then it would explain why so many workers are being hired. Oh that's right, it seems that something big happened recently in the Kingdom. However, it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the area close to E-Rantel..."

"Let's hear more of this, Rob."

Due to the lack of accurate information, Roberdyck could only explain what he heard in bits and pieces. Since most of the details relating to the incident were pieced together from rumors, the overall picture that was painted at the end wasn't very clear or reliable.

"Hmm, we can't say for sure if the incident is related in any ways. However, I still think what Arche said is the most likely situation. Rob also agrees."

"If that's the case then… hiring multiple worker teams, and considering that the job location is within the territory of the Kingdom, is it possible that we're likely to end up clashing with Kingdom adventurers that were sent to explore the ruins? If it's like that then there's no point in collecting further information inside the Empire."

"The other thing to watch out for is an ambush made by the teams of other hired workers. I definitely don't want to lose my life just as we reach our goal."

"We also need to watch out for ambush made by adventurers. Although speaking of this, I'd much more prefer it if it was done by adventurers. At least we can try to negotiate with them and it wouldn't be as treacherous as one set by other workers."

"If it's done by workers, then things will most likely end in blood."

"—What should we do, leader?"

The overall issues had been raised and discussed, and each member's opinions had also been voiced. What was left were a few remaining speculations before coming to a conclusion.

"Before deciding, I have one thing to say... I think there's a need for everyone to hear this."

Hekkeran sighed deeply, and Imina, who sat beside Hekkeran, momentarily held her breath.

"Arche, a strange man came and said he wanted to see you."

Hearing this, an eyebrow went up on Arche's usually expressionless face. Seeing this reaction, Hekkeran understood that Arche knew the man.

"What did that guy say at the end? ...What was it again?"

Hekkeran blatantly asked Imina. What he received in return was a stare which said "what the heck are you saying?". However, after realizing that Hekkeran had really forgotten, Imina replied in a tired voice.

"'Tell the brat from the Furt family. Tell her the deadline is coming!'"

"Yep, something like that."

Being thrown into the spotlight, Arche took a deep breath and said with a heavy voice.

"—I'm in debt."

"Debt?!"

Hekkeran exclaimed in surprise. Of course, it wasn’t just Hekkeran alone, Imina and Roberdyck also had shocked expressions. Since there were no ranks within their team, the income was shared equally. And thinking back on the amount they've earned so far, the notion of being in debt was ridiculous.

"How much do you owe?"

"—Three hundred gold coins." Hearing the reply from Arche, the three of them glanced at each other once more.

The amount that was owed was something that normal people wouldn’t even be able to dream about. It was something that even workers of their level wouldn't be able to earn in one go. Although the deposit for their current given request was three hundred and fifty gold coins, that amount was for the entire team. After subtracting the cost of maintenance as well as buying necessary equipment and items, the amount left for each member was only around sixty gold coins.

Furthermore, their team was counted among the top of the worker profession. Using the same set of criteria as assessing adventurers, they would be equivalent to the mithril rank. Even at their level, they couldn't earn that much in a go. That showed just how much of a debt it was.

Arche’s face began to cloud up as she felt the doubtful gazes of her companions on her.

She naturally wanted to avoid this conversation. However, if she didn't answer it now, it wouldn't be a surprise if she ended up being expelled from the team.

After a brief moment of consideration, Arche finally opened her mouth.

"...Since my family considers it a huge disgrace, I never told this to anyone, but... the Blood Emperor revoked my family's nobility status."

The Blood Emperor—Jircniv Rune Farlord el Nix. Renowned for staining his hands with blood.

Due to certain events that took place, the previous Emperor was forced to retire. Soon afterwards, what used to be one of the Five Great Families of the Empire, the family of the Blood Emperor's mother, was accused of assassinating the Emperor and eradicated. Things turned sour after that, where the brothers of the Blood Emperor died one after another. During that time, it was as if the winds that blew within the city carried death itself, and near the end, even his mother got caught in it and perished.

Of course, there was opposition during this period. However, this opposition was meaningless to the Blood Emperor, who already controlled the Empire’s knights during his time as the crown prince. Using overwhelming military force, every aristocrat that was capable of opposing him was cut down like wheat before the scythe. The only ones who remained were those who pledged their allegiance to the Emperor from the bottom of their hearts, and thus it ended with the complete centralisation of power in him.

However, the Blood Emperor didn't just stop there. Many leftover aristocrats soon had their nobility revoked due to incompetence. Instead, capable commoners were given the chance to rise in status.

All in all, there were two main points that surprised people the most. First was that the national power of the Empire did not drop a single bit during the mass removal of aristocrats. Second was that the Emperor who had achieved all of this was only a boy one or two years past the age of ten.

It wasn't rare to see families that lost their nobility status. However—

"—Even now my parents still live the same lifestyle as before. Of course we can't afford the cost. That's why my parents ended up borrowing money from shady places."

Hearing this, the three of them glanced around at each other.

Although the three of them hid it well, feelings of anxiousness, irritation, unpleasantness and anger passed between them.

"—I have confidence in my magic abilities. I wish to join." These words had been said by a slender child holding a staff taller than herself.

The image of a small child with an expressionless face, who was holding her staff with both hands while standing before them, suddenly came back into the minds of Hekkeran and the others. Later, the image of their stunned faces after they saw the display of Arche's strength in magic came into view in their heads, resounding with nostalgia.

In the two years that went by, after experiencing numerous adventures and having survived adventures where even one wrong move would result in death, the money that they had gained was quite a considerable amount. However, Arche's equipment had hardly changed since the beginning.

The reason for that was finally made known.

"Is that for real? Should I go and have a proper 'talk' with them?"

"I think it's about time for your parents to hear the voice of God. No, no, perhaps they should meet the fists of God before that."

"I don't think their ears haven't been pierced yet, maybe I should start making holes in them."

"—Please calm down. It's already gotten to this stage, what I want to say is, depending on the situation I plan on taking my sisters away from my parents."

"You have sisters?"

Seeing Arche nod her head, the three of them looked at each other once more. Although they didn't say it out loud, but deep down in their hearts they started to feel that it might be better to give up on this particular request.

It was true that workers had a higher income than adventurers. However, the amount of danger they faced was also much higher. Although they tried their best at making sure the work they took on was as safe as possible, the chances of encountering situations outside their calculations was still quite high.

A single slip might result in a tragedy for her sisters. However, it was pointless to keep thinking along these lines.

"Is that so? ...Then let's put this topic on hold for now. We will let you handle your current problem... Anyway, back to our main discussion topic, do we accept the offered commission or not?"

Having said this, Hekkeran cast a cold gaze at Arche.

"Arche, I don't want to make it sound bad but you don't get a say in this."

"—That’s fine. For someone who’s in need of money, I can understand that my vote would be compromised because of my debt issue."

That was what they meant by being blinded by greed.

"—Truthfully, I had thought that I might end up becoming removed from this team."

"What are you saying? After having a magic caster as skilled as you join our team, it would be a huge loss for us to simply let you go."

This statement wasn't meant to provide any comfort. It was the truth.

Arche's innate talent. A pair of eyes blessed with miracles, had helped out Hekkeran's team multiple times in the past.

If a name had to be given to Arche's innate talent, the 'All-Seeing Eyes' would probably be the most suitable words to describe it.

Arcane magic casters were constantly surrounded by an invisible aura which wrapped around their body. However, Arche's innate talent allowed her to see it directly. Not only that, she was even able to see which tiers of magic the opponent was capable of using.

The advantage of being able to gauge the power level of opponents went without saying.

There was only one other person that Hekkeran knew of within the Empire that also possessed this ability. And that person was the Empire's highest ranked magic caster—Fluder Paradyne.

Although their eyes were the only things they had in common, it showed how gifted Arche was, since she was comparable to Fluder.

"To think that the Magic Academy would let such a talented child go."

"Exactly. To be capable of using the same tier of magic as me at such a young age is simply unbelievable. Perhaps it's possible for Arche to reach the 6^th tier in the future."

"—I think that would be quite difficult to achieve. However, I would be happy if the possibility exists."

Just as the previously broken atmosphere was about to recover, Hekkeran clapped his hands. Everyone's attention once more focused on the topic at hand.

"Now now, about the current request, do we accept or not?—Roberdyck."

"I have no objections."

"Imina?"

"Why not go with it? This is the type of work I've always wanted to do."

The work given to workers usually wasn't trivial stuff. Only a few days ago, they were still on the Kattse Plains exterminating undead. Work like that was quite different compared to what was offered now.

"In that case—"

"—If it's for my sake, please don't. Even if we refuse the offer this time I still have other ways."

The three of them glanced at each other, and a smile then appeared on Imina's face.

"No way. If you think about it, the request this time isn't the typical shady work. The reward is also really generous. Right, Rob?"

"That's how it is. It isn't for your sake at all. There's probably lots of undiscovered items within the ruins. Isn't it so, Hekkeran?"

"There you have it, Arche. Though it's regrettable that we can't make it known that we're the first explorers of the ruins."

"—My deepest gratitude."

Seeing Arche lowering her head, the three of them looked at each other and smiled.

"Well then, Arche and I will go and convert the plate into cash. The two of you go and prepare the necessary items for this adventure."

The items necessary for an adventure could include things like rope or oil, as well as certain magic items. For someone with a meticulous personality like Roberdyck, and Imina possessing the skills of a thief, this sort of work was perfect for them. On the other hand, one could say that Hekkeran was simply unsuited for tasks like his.

"Alright everyone, let's begin! ...Arche."

Turning towards Arche who was tilting her head with a baffled description, Hekkeran finally said out loud what he wanted to say before.

"The income from this commission isn't enough to cover your debt."

"—No problem. This much should be enough to extend the deadline by some time."

"You can borrow the rest from us."

"That's right. You can always pay us back later using the income earned from future jobs."

Of course it wouldn't be given for free since 'Foresight' members are all equal.

"—Hold on to it for now. I've already returned most of what my irresponsible parents borrowed. But give me some time to consider things through."

"That's fine. Take your time."

The four of them looked at each other one last time before heading off to complete what they were tasked to do.

 

Part 3

In a certain high-class residential district within the Empire's capital, that occupied a vast area of land. Since long ago, rows of luxurious mansions have been built on this land, erected in the style of the past. Walking by these mansions would bring out a feeling of historical nostalgia. One could certainly guess that the type of residents that live here were most likely aristocrats.

The mansions of aristocrats were a sign of their status. One could see it as a waste of money, but if not extravagantly decorated, they would likely become subjects of ridicule.

Furniture, jewelry, clothing, mansion, courtyard—all of these things needed to be maintained in order for one to have status amongst the upper class of society. For aristocrats, who were continuously establishing connections and cliques, it was necessary to display their wealth. Living in a plain mansion was enough reason to be ridiculed and looked down upon. Because of this, aristocrats that were interested in politics and power had to constantly decorate their bodies and holdings. Realistically speaking, this was similar to the display of strength between military forces. It was a privilege reserved for the powerful.

These were the things one would see when looking around.

Even within the capital this area was one of the most well-regulated districts, where everything was nice and quiet. However, if you observed carefully, the quietness could be a bit unnerving. This was due to the lack of human presence.

In truth, the majority of these mansions were unoccupied and empty. Due to the events set in motion by the Blood Emperor, the majority of their owners ended up being unable to sustain the expenditures of living in this district.

Among these empty mansions, there were still a few that were being used. Unlike before, the gardening was kept very rough and there were no longer servants waiting outside.

It was in one of those mansions that Arche's family lived. She was welcomed home by her parents, who bore the proper appearance of typical nobles with the rightful bearings and fancy clothes.

"Ooh, welcome home Arche."

"Welcome back."

Before properly replying, Arche turned to look at a delicately crafted piece of glasswork which had been carefully carved into the shape of a cup. It radiated an air of great expense.

Arche's face twitched due to having never seen it before.

"—This is?"

"Oh, this is Artist Jan's—"

"—I'm not asking that kind of question. This is something we didn't have before, why do we have it now?"

"That's because it was purchased just this morning."

That was her father’s casual reply, using the same tone as if he was saying something like ‘Good morning’. Hearing this, Arche's body started shaking.

"—How much?"

"Hmm... I think it only cost around 15 gold coins. Cheap, isn't it?"

Arche drooped her shoulders in despair. She had originally planned on using the deposit from

her current job to pay off a part of the debt, and now she found that it had risen even more.

"—Why did you buy it?"

"As aristocrats, if we can't even purchase things like this, we'll become the laughingstock of everyone."

Hearing the prideful laugh coming from her father, anger started to shine through Arche's eyes.

"—We're no longer aristocrats."

Arche's father's expression hardened at the sound of those words and his face turned completely red.

"That's wrong!"

Arche's father forcefully slammed his hand against the table. Due to the sturdiness of the table, the glasswork was not affected by the blow. Although Arche wouldn't have minded if it broke, her father probably wouldn't have felt any regret. It only costed fifteen gold coins, that’s what her father would think.

"As long as that piece of shit upstart dies, our family can instantly gain back its status! Members of our family have been nobles of the Empire for over a hundred years. It is absolutely unforgivable to end our line. This is an investment for our revival! Also, this display of power is to show that fool that we haven't given up!"

How foolish.

That was Arche's opinion of her father, who was currently out of breath due to his anger. The "fool" probably referred to the Blood Emperor. For someone like him, Arche's family wasn't even worth consideration. If they really planned on regaining their nobility, this definitely wasn't the method to use.

Being trapped in their own small world, they wouldn't be able to see what was happening outside.

Arche helplessly shook her head.

"The two of you stop fighting."

Seeing her laid-back mother, Arche decided to call it quits with her father.

Shortly afterwards, her mother stood up and passed a small vial to Arche.

"Arche. This is perfume, bought just for you."

"—How much?"

"Three gold coins."

"Is that so... thank you."

While calculating in her heart the eighteen gold coins that got wasted, Arche said her thanks to her mother. After accepting the tiny vial that contained a very small quantity of perfume, she placed it into her bag.

It was hard for Arche to look at her mother with such a cold gaze. At least perfumes and makeup had more practical uses than glasswork.

Properly dressing oneself up and attending high-class parties were a means for nobles to mingle together and make connections. If one considered marriage, pregnancy and childbirth to be a woman's happiness, then it was important for daughters of nobility to decorate themselves, at least from a noble's point of view.

However, even if that was the case, in their current situation, Arche's simply couldn’t afford to be this wasteful. Also, three gold coins were enough to feed a normal family for a whole month.

"—I've said this countless times already, keep spending to a minimum. Only buy what you really need."

"Exactly, that's what I said! This was necessary!"

Feeling tired of arguing, Arche simply stared at the flushed face of her father. Having to continuously remind them of such simple things was becoming too much for her. She could only blame herself for all of this. If she had used force to resolve these things in the beginning, it wouldn't have ended up this way. Also, she wouldn't have brought trouble to 'Foresight'.

"—I'm no longer going to send money home. I will take my sisters with me and live elsewhere."

Hearing the quiet words spoken by Arche, her father started to heat up once more. What unnerved her father the most was probably the loss of her income, Arche thought indifferently.

“Just who do you think it was that raised you from birth to now?”

"—I've already repaid my obligations."

Arche forcefully ended the conversation. The amount of income she had earned so far, while not ridiculously high, was still quite a considerable sum. That money had been earned during the adventures she took with her comrades, and should have been used to strengthen herself just like the rest of her teammates had done.

Seeing how she never updated her equipment, what would her comrades think?

Not having strong equipment would mean she was the weakest member of the team.

However, the members of 'Foresight' never said a thing to her about it. Arche had been spoiled too much by this already.

Arche stared intensely. Having received the full burst of Arche's gaze, her father caved in and looked away. For someone who had gone through life and death situations, there was no reason for Arche to lose to a bumbling aristocrat of a father.

Arche glanced once more at her speechless father and left the room.

Walking out of the room, Arche sighed in relief.

"Ojou-sama."

"—What's wrong, James?"

James had been the butler to Arche's family for a long time now. A tense expression was visible on his wrinkled face. That face had been seen very often since her family’s fall from grace.

"Although I don't wish to say such things to ojou-sama but..."

Arche raised her hand and interrupted the speech. After considering that it wasn't a butler's right to say certain things, James distanced himself away.

Arche took out a small bag and opened it. Various different lights sparkled from within. The majority of the lights were silver, followed by bronze. The least amount were gold.

"—This much should be enough right?"

Having been handed the bag, James looked inside and finally relaxed his face.

"Salary, as well as the interest for the merchants... I think I should be able to solve the rest. Ojou-sama."

"—That's good."

Arche finally managed to relax. Although it was the bare minimum amount, it was just enough to scrape by.

"—You weren't able to stop father from buying it?"

"It couldn't be helped. The seller came with nobles acquainted with us. Although I did remind the old master multiple times..."

"—I see."

The two of them sighed.

"—Just a small question. How much do I need to prepare in order to clear everything away?"

James widened his eyes, and then returned a sad smile. Perhaps the reason why there wasn't any movements in his eye was because he had already seen it coming.

"Certainly. Once I finish calculating it, I will bring it in."

"—I'll be relying on you then."

At that moment, the sound of running was be heard within the corridor. Even without looking up, Arche knew who it was.

Softening her face, Arche turned around just in time to see a shadow running towards her and leaping at her without slowing down.

The figure that had leapt into Arche's embrace had a height of less than one meter. Her age was around five years old, with eyes similar to Arche's. While hugging Arche, this girl raised her face and displayed an expression of dissatisfaction with her pink cheeks bulging.

"Way too hard."

This wasn't directed at Arche's flat chest.

Arch was wearing clothes made for adventuring. The area around the chest and abdomen had been reinforced with hard leather to improve its defensive properties. Running into it would definitely feel like running into a hard surface.

"—Are you okay?"

She touched the girl's cheek while stroking her head.

"Mm, I'm fine. Onee-sama."

Seeing the happy face made by her sister, Arche started to smile.

"...I shall leave the two of you be, then" Arche expressed her thanks towards the butler that did not wish to disturb the two of them, and then turned around to once more stroke her sister's head.

"Ulei... when in the hall..."

Arche suddenly stopped speaking halfway. She was about to say that it was inelegant for daughters of nobility to run inside the house, but after having told her father that they were no longer nobles, scoldings like these were no longer needed.

During this period, Arche's hand did not stop once, though the girl whose hair had already become a complete mess did not mind at all and continue to laugh.

Arche looked around her surroundings, and confirmed that one other person wasn't here.

"Where's Kuude?"

"Inside her room!"

"Is that so... there are a few things that I wish to speak with the two of you, let's go together."

"Mm."

Protecting the cheerful smiles of her sisters was Arche's responsibility. Holding Ulei's hand, a warm feeling quickly grew inside Arche. Ulei's small hands were something that even Arche's hands could fully cover.

"Onee-sama's hand is really hard."

Arche looked at her other hand. Due to injuries received from numerous adventures, these hardened hands could no longer be called hands befitting an ojou-sama from a noble family. However, she had no regrets. These hands were proof that she was living her life together with friends—her comrades in 'Foresight'.

"But I still really like it!"

With her hand tightly grasped by her both of her sister's, Arche smiled and said;

"—Thanks."

♦ ♦ ♦

As usual, the North Market of the Empire's Capital was full of energy. However, the number of customers that frequented the North Market was a lot less when compared to the central market, due to the specialisation of the sold products. As such, it wasn't difficult to navigate through the less crowded streets.

Seeing the usual atmosphere surrounding the market, Hekkeran and Roberdyck relaxed their shoulders and started browsing.

The reason why they were able to relax their guards was because they were at the northern market—it was probably one of the safest districts within the capital.

"Well then, Hekkeran. What do we need to buy?"

"First would be healing items. We'll need to stock up on those ‘Wands of Cure light wounds’. Depending on the situation, we might also need some ‘Wands of Cure moderate wounds’... Don't select any that have a low number of uses. From what I've heard, our target location is a tomb, we might need to use them on the undead. After that, we need to stock up on items that counter undead creatures, poisons and diseases. We also need to have counter-measures against negative energy and undead without physical form... Items that have unlimited usage are too expensive, so it might be better to also stock up on scrolls inscribed with magic as well."

Wands were a type of item that could hold multiple charges of a single spell. The user could keep casting the spell until the number of charges were used up. As such, when compared to scrolls that could only be used once, wands were much more valuable for certain applications, such as healing.

"Is that so? I had thought that we were here to buy gifts, and you wanted my advice."

"Gifts?"

"... Don't worry about it, Hekkeran. Let's start searching for what we need."

"...Oh, okay."

The stores within the northern market were all open-air markets, neatly arranged and filled with items for people passing by to see.

The items on display were typically placed on single sheets. One sheet per item. However, the majority of the items on sale at each store were only medium-quality goods. New or unknown items were rare sights here.

The majority of the vendors here seemed to be capable of handling themselves well. They either possessed powerful looking weapons or were dressed like magic casters. Compared to typical merchants, these looked like seasoned warriors.

At first glance these vendors looked out of place, but they really were the owners of their respective stores, even if it was only for the current day. During other times, they would usually be working as adventurers or workers. In other words, the actual profession of the vendors were similar to that of Hekkeran's and Roberdyck's.

They usually sold equipment or items they no longer needed, or whatever they found during their adventures. When compared to selling to merchants who specialized in magic items or to the Magician Association, finding their own customers could eliminate having to pay processing fees and thus lower the price of their items. The amount saved from this was larger than the fees one had to pay to set up their own store.

Due to this reason, adventurers and workers like Hekkeran frequented the northern markets first in order to look for bargains. Some even came everyday if they had the time.

And lastly, this was the main reason why the crime rate in the north market was low. Who would be crazy enough to cause a ruckus in a district full of combat veterans?

After spending some time looking around, the faces on the two of them were neither gloomy nor glad.

"Found anything?"

"Nothing."

Since the merchandise on sale were mostly unwanted goods, it was hard for Hekkeran and others to find the items they needed. Although these items might be suitable for Adventurers or inexperienced workers that were lower ranked, for the two of them—even when taking their companions into consideration—there simply wasn't anything useful.

"How regrettable. As I thought, it would have been faster if we had gone to the usual place to buy them."

"I only came here hoping to find bargains. It can't be helped if we can't find anything. Well, this is only the first step for us to start saving."

"Savings huh... Hekkeran, what do you think we should do?"

"Having only said this much and you already caught on, are you a super high ranked magic caster or something? ... It's obviously about Arche."

"You already know about that."

"Well, from what's already been said I can sort of tell."

"Then you know what I wanted to say right?"

"...That this might be our last adventure, right?"

"Please don't say such phrases that might jinx us." Roberdyck laughed bitterly. "Although it looks to be that way. If Arche-san says she will take her sisters under her care, it looks like our adventures in the future won't be as easy anymore."

"Just as you said. Although one would still need to work, but it doesn't need to be only from adventuring."