I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

Chapter 291

"Truly... you’re remarkable. Even the most seasoned nobles in the capital wouldn’t stand a chance against you." At last, Seras spoke.

It wasn’t sarcasm; she genuinely sounded impressed. Ian took another sip of his drink and simply shrugged.

After a brief pause, Seras added, "I’ll accept your proposal."

"You’re wise."

"…I’m not so sure. Considering I brought this situation on myself, I don’t think I can call myself wise from now on."

Now she’s getting self-deprecating.

Ian chuckled briefly as Seras cautiously continued, "However, could I ask that you allow me to be present during any conversations with other visitors?"

"I don’t plan on getting involved in such details," Ian replied calmly.

In truth, having her around would likely be helpful for negotiations. Seras finally let out a small sigh. Whether it was from relief or resignation, Ian couldn’t tell.

"I think it’s too early to feel at ease just yet."

"…Of course. Is there any additional compensation you desire?"

"Well... if it’s within the limits of what you can afford…" Ian trailed off for a moment before locking eyes with Seras and continuing, "How about the gem Asme was using?"

Seras’s eyes widened instantly. Ian, unfazed, continued, "If we add in hazard pay and the cost of antidotes, I think it’s a fair calculation."

"W-Well, that may be true... but the gem wouldn’t be of much use to you, the Agent of the Saint. Asme’s body underwent a special procedure, so she can’t cast spells without the aid of such magical tools."

It was clear Seras had no idea that Ian was a mage.

A faint, bitter smile crept across his lips as he replied, "I have a hobby of collecting valuables. Besides, with her current condition, Asme won’t be able to fight even if a battle breaks out. So... should I take that as a refusal?"

"... No, I’ll speak with Asme once she wakes up," Seras quickly answered.

"Excellent. And one more thing…"

Seras hesitated, but Ian continued with a slight smirk.

"You should also offer suitable compensation to Sir Philip and the young lady."

Ian glanced briefly at Elia, who sat beside him.

"Because of the request, they faced unnecessary danger."

"... Understood. Though I believe it would be best to reward them in gold."

Seras nodded, as if she was no longer surprised by anything, and added, "I’m afraid I lack the means to offer compensation on the same level as the Agent of the Saint."

"And the exact amount?"

"May I give you an answer tomorrow, after I’ve had time to think it through? I assure you, the amount will be enough to prevent any hard feelings."

"Very well. Do so."

There was no need to push someone who was already at their limit.

Ian turned to look at Elia once more. Judging by her expression, she was likely already relaying everything to Philip.

That guy’s probably grinning from ear to ear.

Suppressing a laugh, Ian continued speaking, "Tell Sir Philip to move the royal carriage to the roadside once Sir Phaden finishes clearing the area. After that, move ours as well. We’ll be staying here for the night."

"Understood. I’ll let him know." Elia responded promptly and then turned her gaze back to the space.

Seras, slumped back against the chair, finally spoke in a weary voice, "May I have a drink as well?"

"I have been drinking straight from it—is that alright with you?"

"Yeah, it’s fine."

Well, if you say so.

Ian handed her the bottle. Seras straightened herself immediately and took it.

"Thank you, Sir Ian."

She brought the bottle straight to her lips, clearly desperate for a drink. After taking a few big gulps, she wiped her mouth with her cloak, letting out a faint sigh.

"…Thanks to you, I’ve learned a lesson that I could never have gained in the capital."

"...?"

"That sometimes, there are moments when you need to reveal your weaknesses or disadvantages first. Especially when you’re dealing with someone who holds all the cards."

Ian’s lips curled into a smile. "That’s quite an important lesson."

"I’ll never forget it. It was a painfully earned one," Seras added, bringing the bottle to her lips again.

…She’s going to get drunk again at this rate.

Fortunately, that didn’t seem likely. The fatigue was showing in her eyes as she lowered the bottle. With her tension finally released and a few drinks in, all the exhaustion she had been ignoring must have hit her at once.

"You should go get some rest. Tomorrow, we’ll have to travel together in one carriage. You’d better recover some strength while you can."

"I suppose you’re right. I’m also worried about Asme’s condition. Mind if I take the rest of this with me? I’d rather finish it and pass out." Seras held up the nearly empty bottle as she asked.

Ian, understanding the feeling all too well, let out a small laugh to himself.

"Go ahead."

"Then I’ll see you tomorrow."

Seras pulled her hood low over her face and left the carriage weakly. Her drained figure disappeared through the closing door. Ian, having waited for the right moment, turned to the other side and spoke.

"And Philip?"

"He’s moving Her Highness’s carriage. It seems the two knights are pulling it themselves, giving the horses a break."

"They’re making things harder…" Ian muttered as he leaned back in his chair.

In truth, he was just as tired. His temples throbbed slightly, likely a result of the heavy magic use near the end. He needed to sleep for a few hours, as if dead.

"Godfather. Wait, a moment." Elia suddenly reached out as Ian paused.

She quickly explained, "Please take off all your gear and set it aside. If you sleep in that state, you’ll make a mess of the chair."

"…Then where will you sleep?"

"There’ll be plenty of room for me. As you know, I’m a dwarf."

She leaves me speechless.

Ian sighed, left with nothing to say. Without further comment, he began removing his gear piece by piece. Only after changing into fresh clothes from his sealed chest did he finally lay back down on the chair. In the end, the process was worth it—sleeping in damp, smelly clothes would have been far less comfortable.

***

The rain finally stopped just before dawn, but the sky was still heavy with dark, ash-colored clouds, making it seem like another downpour could start at any moment. In any case, the rain had washed away most of the traces of last night’s ambush. The assassins’ bodies had all been thrown into the forest, so no signs of battle were visible on the road.

"Hmm..."

The first to greet Ian as he stepped out of the carriage was Asme, who approached immediately. She had already regained her senses, though her face was still pale. She seemed able to move with little trouble. Standing before Ian, Asme knelt respectfully.

"... Thank you, the Agent of the Saint."

Ian blinked in surprise for a moment, hearing her voice for the first time, even if it was barely more than a whisper.

"... I’m just glad you’re safe. Don’t push yourself too hard for a while."

At Ian’s response, Asme rose and held out her hands. Among the dangling metal chains, a glowing gem shimmered. It was the reward they had agreed upon the previous night. Ian accepted it, and Asme knelt once more before turning to leave. As he watched her walk away, Ian recalled the events of the previous night. It seemed her excessively careful behavior was because of the Emperor’s influence.

It seemed Asme and Phaedon did not know how close their contract came to being canceled the previous night. Not that there had been much time to explain, especially with Seras practically passing out.

... Not that it matters.

Ian shrugged and looked down at the gemstone in his hand. He could already check its stats. It was the Gray Witch’s Gemstone, a rare grade item with a unique design.

A claw-like clasp held the essence bead in place, and long and short metal chains hung from the intricately engraved ring. At the ends of three shorter chains were adjustable metal rings, clearly meant to be worn on the fingers.

The ends of three shorter chains had small metal rings attached, likely designed to fit on one’s fingers. Its abilities were decent; the magic amplification it provided was useful, with additional boosts specifically for gray magic. However, the essence bead had to be inserted for the effects to activate, and because of last night’s usage, the magic stored in it was less than half.

Still, this is something. It’s been a long time since I got a mage-exclusive item.

For Ian, who rarely came across mage-specific gear, it was a welcome gift. He smiled contentedly and stored the gem in his pocket dimension. Though he was eager to examine it further, there were still tasks that needed his attention.

"May this poor soul be embraced warmly and guided to the radiant heavens..." Shelby’s funeral followed shortly after.

Since it had become too difficult to carry the body back, they had no choice but to bury it at the sunniest edge of the forest. For Phaedon, it must have been some comfort that the Agent of the Saint and the Apostle of the Radiant Goddess led the funeral.

After a meal of cold preserved rations, the group was finally ready to resume their journey. They planned to continue using Ian’s carriage. While the princess’s carriage was larger and more spacious, Ian did not hesitate in his decision. It wasn’t just because the princess’s carriage stood out too much, but because he couldn’t bear to abandon the familiar one, worn from use.

"We’re ready to depart," said Phaden, now seated on the coachman’s bench. He had volunteered to act as the coachman for the rest of the journey, wanting to repay his debt from the previous night. Although Philip had initially declined, Phaden’s insistence was unyielding.

Clatter, swish, swish.

Despite five people sitting together in the carriage, it was unexpectedly quiet. The only sound came from Elia, who sat on a cloak laid out on the floor, dismantling and cleaning Ian’s gear. Neither Seras nor Asme seemed to find her behavior odd. Perhaps it was because Elia was a dwarf, or maybe because her actions were so natural.

... Or maybe they’re just too tired.

Asme’s face was pale, and even Seras, who was leaning against the window, looked somewhat haggard. It seemed neither had fully shaken off the fatigue from yesterday.

Even Philip was quiet. He sat silently next to Ian, his face hidden behind the visor of his helmet. Though it wasn’t unusual for him to fall asleep quickly from exhaustion the previous night, his continued silence today was out of character.

Ian, however, wasn’t particularly concerned. After all the events they had been through, he appreciated these rare moments of peace and quiet.

"I’ll discuss the remaining matters," Seras broke the silence. It was around the time when Elia had finished cleaning about half of Ian’s equipment.

Ian, sipping his drink, responded, "Go ahead."

"Yes. I was thinking of giving each of you one hundred gold coins. Is that acceptable?"

"A hundred, huh…" Ian nodded without hesitation.

It wasn’t a small amount, and in Ian’s estimation, the rest of the journey was likely to be far more peaceful. Earning an extra hundred gold for a single battle seemed like a good deal.

"Are you satisfied with that?" Ian asked, glancing over at Philip.

Still staring out the window, Philip replied without turning his head, "Yes. Well. It’s fine."

What’s with him today, really?

Ian narrowed his eyes slightly at the nonchalant response, then spoke again, "Why are you still wearing your helmet indoors? Take it off."

"... Yes." Philip reluctantly removed his helmet with an unwilling hand. As expected, his face was just as expressionless underneath.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Why do you look like that?"

"Pardon...?"

"Your expression. Is it because of Shelby?"

"... It’s not just that." Philip smacked his lips in frustration as if he hadn’t expected Ian to ask him about such things. His gaze briefly flicked to Asme and Seras across from him. A faint smile brushed Seras’s lips.

"Are we making you uncomfortable, Sir?"

"... I can’t say you’re not," Philip admitted, sounding awkward.

"There’s no need for that. Relax, as you normally do. Like Sir Ian here."

You’re the one who looks the most comfortable, thought Ian as he turned back to Philip.

"Speak up while you’ve got the chance. What’s on your mind?"

"Well... ha. The more I think about it, the more infuriating it is," Philip sighed briefly before finally deciding to speak.

"The world is falling apart, and yet the very forces that should lead the way to fix it—the royal family and the Order—are too busy fighting over their interests."

"...!"

"Everything’s gotten bigger and stronger, sure, but it’s no different from the chaos of the frontier. What’s the point if nothing’s changed?"