Volume 4 Chapter 2 Rumors Of War
I gave instructions to everyone and moved towards the bulletin board with Clay.
While doing so, I let out a long sigh.
"Phew, that was close. I don't want to attract attention since the guys at the tavern are just idling around."
"Wade-kun, you've always been uncomfortable with this. Whenever they whisper, you always seem grumpy. There's probably no one among them who actually looks down on you."
"Even so, it bothers me that they talk behind my back without directly addressing me."
I sighed as Clay shrugged his shoulders.
"So, how's the guild after a long time, Wade-kun?"
"It's crowded with people. We should have come at a quieter time."
"It's dinner time, so it can't be helped."
"True."
Clay chuckled in resignation. I smiled wryly and we stood side by side, looking up at the bulletin board. There were rows of articles with a lot of information, and it seemed like it would take a while to read through them all.
"Hey, are there any tips on how to read stuff like this?"
"Yeah, you can just look at the main headlines and check out what catches your interest. I come here almost every day. If you just look at the updated parts, you can understand the content."
Upon hearing that, I focused on the main headlines and glanced at the information board.
'Arrogant King: Is Roman the Next Target?' 'Platinum torch adventurer "Handless", return this month?' 'Platinum Sword adventurer 'Oath', once again lets the Fist of the Dragon escape' 'Greek former third prince, whereabouts still unknown. Seeking information.'
"It's all so jumbled up."
There were various unfamiliar words, so I crossed my arms. Then Clay offered, "Do you need an explanation?"
"That would be helpful. First... who is this Arrogant King?"
"Oh, that's about a war. The king of a neighboring emerging country is quite skilled and has been expanding through invasion and rule. His arrogant remarks have gained attention, earning him the nickname Arrogant King."
"Do you see 'Fist of the Dragon' written over there?" Clay pointed.
"So, this 'Fist of the Dragon' is the top retainer of the Arrogant King. Whenever the Arrogant King targets a territory or a country, it's usually taken down by him. Many countries hire even the top-ranked Sword adventurer with a high reward, but 'Fist of the Dragon' manages to evade them and accomplish his goals. It seems like he's been through quite intense battles."
"Wow. So, is the Arrogant King currently targeting this Roman Empire?"
"It's highly possible. In fact, Romans were known for engaging in invasion wars a decade ago, being an empire and all. Even here in Karditsa, it used to be part of Kingdom of Greece. Although the current lord here easily switched sides, so Karditsa didn't face any tragic consequences."
I may not be well-versed in that area of history, but I roughly understand the general flow of events.
This Karditsa was originally a territory of the Margrave in Kingdom of Greece. However, when the Roman Empire destroyed Kingdom of Greece, it came under the rule of the Roman Empire.
The lord in charge was quite cunning, so he managed to avoid the war by smoothly continuing the Margrave family while replacing the king. They didn't even have to surrender.
In other words, the lord switched sides to the winning team and only enjoyed the benefits of war. That's what this Karditsa is all about.
Well, it's a story far from someone like me who grew up in the slums.
"I wonder how tough it must be for the prince. Are they still being pursued?"
"The third prince's whereabouts have been unknown for over a decade. He was around four or five years old when he escaped. But it seems the Roman Empire won't rest easy until they see the body."
"Why is that?"
"The bloodline of the royal family of Kingdom of Greece is a bit special. It seems to be directly descended from a certain god. Sometimes they perform miracles. Not magic, but actual miracles. It's terrifying, that's why the Romans want to destroy them."
"You know a lot about this."
"Well, I used to serve the Greek royal family, so I know the details."
Clay shrugged as he said that. Recently, Clay had been known as a young genius merchant, but come to think of it, he was the third son of a noble family.
I had some thoughts, but I continued to ask Clay whether we should thoroughly investigate the information.
"Alright, lastly. What about this platinum torch?"
"It's the platinum adventurer based in Karditsa. Known as 'Handless,' the pinnacle of torch adventurer credentials."
Platinum adventurers are basically always just one person. Platinum sword, platinum bow, platinum torch. There might even be a platinum stealth weapon, but that's a surprise for later.
"He's someone who dives into dungeons on a yearly basis and then comes back. They say he repeats this cycle. Every time he returns with a vast amount of treasure, which greatly enriches the city's economy."
"Staying in a dungeon for a whole year is crazy. What's going on?"
"He's like the epitome of someone possessed by dungeons. Torch adventurers who dabble in money seem to end up like that."
"That's a scary story..."
Will we end up like that too someday? Dungeons. Dungeons filled with malice. But maybe that intense desire to kill could become addictive if you seek thrills.
Thrills. It's a part of what I seek. I've been busy lately and haven't been diving into dungeons, but maybe it's time to go deep soon.
I quickly understood the recent information and nodded. Then, I whispered to Clay.
"...Is it going to be a war?"
"Yeah, probably about the arrogant king. It seems likely to happen."
"Yeah, I wonder if Karditsa will get involved?"
"It's hard to say. Once on the brink of war, they managed to avoid it thanks to the lord's skill. Many people probably think the same will happen this time."
But, it's nothing. Clay says.
"Talking about things far in the future is pointless. It might just end up disappointing. It could turn out much worse than we anticipated. At that time, our imagination and assumptions are powerless."
"...That's quite convincing. Do you have that kind of experience?"
"Just like everyone else. Wade-kun, do you believe that the you from a year ago, looking at the current you, is your future self?"
"I absolutely don't believe it."
The skinny dog from the slums, hunting dragons or being surrounded by friends, couldn't have imagined being this happy.
"Well, that's how it is."
Clay says with a knowing look.
"The environment changes. Whether we like it or not. At that time, no one knows what will become of us. Happiness comes unexpectedly, and then it leaves. So, all we can do is enjoy the present. Even if we suffer now believing we will be rewarded, if we are not rewarded, no one will take responsibility."
I feel a deep meaning in Clay's words and nod.
"Yeah. Whether a war happens or not, let's focus on the problems at hand when they arise. For now, let's protect the party."
"It's reassuring to hear our leader say that as a member."
"Don't praise me. You know I get embarrassed easily."
"Exactly. Your embarrassment makes me want to praise you."
"...I give up. I've learned what I needed to know, let's regroup with everyone."
I raise both hands in surrender and head to the dining hall with Clay.
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