studiobondurri Chapter 178 : Chapter 178
Chapter 178 : Chapter 178
Translator: AkazaTL Pr/Ed: Sol IX
***
“Master, I have a request.”
「What is it?」
“My vengeance… it may not end with Carlos alone. It might have to extend to the Seven Lords and the Nine Goddesses. And since those beings have ruled over the seven races ever since the creation of the First Land, that means I’ll be turning the entire world into my enemy.”
「That’s true.」
Yes, my revenge might no longer end with Carlos.
Unlike Carlos, who moves alone, the Seven Lords and Nine Goddesses have ruled this land for countless ages. If they were to issue an oracle—‘Kill Arhan Karavan’—then every nation, every order, every church in the continent would hunt me down.
The Karavan domain? Impossible to protect.
And the moment I realized the gods were involved, I knew: I couldn’t trust anyone anymore. That’s how deep their shadow runs. My friends, my people, everyone I meet from now on—doubt would follow me everywhere. Living like that would be unbearable. Therefore.
“Living while doubting and distrusting everyone is far too heavy. I wouldn’t be able to endure it. I wouldn’t be able to protect my land or my people. Eventually, I’d begin giving up things one by one… and one day, I might even give up my revenge. Because I’m only human.”
「Hmm.」
“You said the gods’ purpose is likely as Ismael described. I can’t yet be certain that Carlos is the Sword of Heaven, nor that his purpose aligns with the gods’, but even the first half of that is fatal enough. That’s why I need help.”
I needed a new weapon.
「What kind of help?」
“As you know, the fastest and most powerful way to earn trust in this continent is to swear an oath in the name of the Seven Lords and Nine Goddesses. Even the law—”
「Skip the lecture. What do you need?」
“……At this rate, I won’t be able to trust anyone. And since I now know the truth about the gods’ intent, I can’t even believe oaths made in their names. So, I need another way—something that can make me certain. Could you give me such a means, Master?”
Honestly, this was all his fault. If Liam hadn’t run wild during his lifetime—if he hadn’t made so many enemies of the Karavan line—none of this would’ve happened. So he owed his poor descendant at least a small favor.
「Fine, I’ll allow it.」
Liam nodded slowly.
「I’ll grant you one kind of oath.」
“An oath?”
「From now on, anyone who swears an oath ‘before the Land of Swords’ in your presence will have to keep it. It’ll be far stronger than any vow sworn upon the Seven Lords or Nine Goddesses. Far, far stronger.」
“……”
「However, you can only invoke it once per month.」
Once per month. A limitation, but more than enough. Who in this world even knew of the Land of Swords? Who would understand the weight of such a vow?
This would be another weapon. And every weapon had to be understood fully.
“What happens if someone breaks the oath?”
「They’ll pay the price.」
“A price, meaning…?”
Liam smiled faintly.
「The Land of Swords will summon the one who breaks it.」
***
“Forgive me for visiting without notice.”
When I opened the door, Zeppelin Gold bowed his head first. He skipped the usual flowery greetings and began with an apology—courteous, restrained, polite.
“I assumed you must be exhausted, so I’ve brought a few small gifts. Armor forged from Winter Steel by the Dwarven Kingdom—only five sets are made each year. A pair of enchanted daggers for emergencies…”
“……”
“Oh, and I’ve also sent some gifts to the Karavan domain. I heard there are many children there now? A school for them is already under construction. And in addition—”
Zeppelin Gold had come with his arms full. He also mentioned a few new plans that would supposedly please me. Why this sudden generosity? I realized quickly enough.
‘He needs me.’
I had come to the Southern Continent as a mercenary. And soon after arriving, I’d proven I wasn’t just a mere Sword Runner. Without anyone’s help, I had slain the Great Warrior of the Crusaders—one of the South’s greatest powers.
Sometimes, seeing was believing. From Zeppelin Gold’s point of view, my value had exploded overnight.
‘His goal is to turn me into a southern hero, starting with Visente. But before he could even act, I’d already done the work myself—by defeating the Crusaders’ Great Warrior.’
And truthfully, what was that Great Warrior like? Far beyond what a Sword Runner could handle. Could a 「Sword Expert」 face her? Hard to say. But at least that level would be required to fight a Great Warrior—one Wing alone wouldn’t even scratch them.
Meaning the feat I’d accomplished was something only a Sword Expert could do.
My worth had risen to that of a Sword Expert’s.
And a Sword Expert’s value is the highest in the world— Swordmasters, after all, don’t move.
‘Value at the top of the chain. And that person locks himself in his room for two days, saying nothing. Of course he’s anxious.’
I immediately understood the situation.
“Again, forgive me for coming when you must still be weary from battle. Allow me to explain why I came.”
Then Zeppelin Gold began talking about his circumstances. He said he understood my exhaustion, that even Arena fighters were given rest after a match, but—unfortunately—a situation had arisen.
‘Hmm.’
And that situation was—‘Poor man. He must’ve had a headache.’
The sudden chaos of the Order of the Cross. The Great Warrior’s death. The turmoil in Visente. And above all, my silence. No doubt his head was about to burst.
‘So, they already know that Ismael was abandoned by her god.’
According to him, the Order had learned that very quickly. Which could only mean one thing.
‘The moment Ismael died, a new Great Warrior was appointed. And the first thing they heard was of her betrayal.’
For zealots, betrayal by their highest champion was an unthinkable crime. No wonder they’d mutilated her corpse.
The Order must be in complete chaos. Even waging war in the Southern Continent was a strain—and now, one Great Warrior had turned traitor and died, while another had already taken her place.
‘No wonder Zeppelin’s so unsettled.’
He must’ve thought they’d all gone insane. Unless he already knew about Ismael’s betrayal.
“That’s why I came, my lord. You and I—we began as employers and mercenaries. But even from the start, I saw us as partners rather than superior and subordinate. And since you’ve far exceeded expectations, I intend to reward you properly. I’ll increase protection and support for the Karavan domain, and your personal compensation will be the finest I can offer.”
“……”
“Of course, for slaying the Great Warrior of Judgement, there’ll be separate rewards. That battle wasn’t part of our contract, and yet you handled it yourself—and saved my life in the process.”
Zeppelin Gold looked at me directly.
“Please, tell me what you desire, my lord. I’ll repay you for your brilliant achievement. And if you could, explain what happened two days ago. If I’m to aid you fully, I must know. As I said—we’re partners.”
He smiled, smooth and polished— the face of the seasoned merchant I’d first met when he came to the Karavan lands under the flag of the Black Archipelago. The face of Gold.
But I didn’t dislike it. It benefited both of us; his troubles were tied to mine. No reason to refuse. Still.
“You’re right.”
I wanted to test something first.
“Then, could you make an oath for me?”
“An oath? You mean, in the name of the Seven Lords and Nine Goddesses?”
At that, Zeppelin’s face contorted.
“My lord, do you understand what it means to ask for such an oath before a conversation? That vow is used only among the sanctified, or when interrogating sinners, or when the high command the low. Merely suggesting it is an insult—an act of humiliation.”
Oh. He was more sensitive about it than I expected.
“I understand you’re unfamiliar with noble etiquette, my lord. But even so, that’s not something we take lightly. If you insist even after hearing this, I’ll swear—but as a descendant of Gold, I won’t forget the shame.”
He didn’t bother hiding his anger. I glanced at Liam.
「Indeed. Oaths to the gods are only sworn to prove innocence. For nobles, words are weighty—and for the Five Great Houses, that weight is heavier still. They speak only after deep thought, knowing exactly how much their words mean. Forcing an oath upon them is to defile that dignity.」
Ah. Something I hadn’t known.
“My apologies. I didn’t realize.”
“If it was ignorance, it’s fine. I know you’re not the suspicious sort.”
“The oath I meant wasn’t that one. Not an oath to the gods. Once you hear what happened two days ago, you’ll understand. Truly.”
“…Not to the gods? Then what—an oath of honor, or in the name of a house?”
“Similar, but not quite. Will you do it?”
Zeppelin hesitated. Apparently, oaths weren’t taken lightly among nobles. But after closing his eyes for a moment, he nodded firmly.
“Very well.”
“Then, please repeat after me: I swear before the Land of Swords that I shall speak no lies, that I shall never reveal what I learn here today, and that I shall never betray Arhan Karavan.”
“That’s all? Very well… Though, the Land of Swords—what is that? Some tourist spots in the Eastern Continent?” Tilting his head, Zeppelin repeated the words after me. An oath sworn before the Land of Swords. When it ended, he scratched his head.
“Is that… all?”
“Yes. That’s enough.”
I smiled in satisfaction and glanced back. My master nodded. Seeing him, I mouthed silently:
‘Master.’
「What is it?」
‘Breaking this oath doesn’t kill them or anything, right?’
「No. The judgment will follow my will.」
‘Then… can you give him just a taste later?’
Liam chuckled.
「A taste? That’s easy, you suspicious little descendant.」
Good. Permission granted.
‘Then… in a moment, I’ll leave one to you.’
Zeppelin would get the answers he sought. I would tell him everything—every detail of what happened two days ago. I’d answer every question, help him with his plans in the Southern Continent—fully, honestly, completely.
“I’ll explain everything now.”
Why? Because from this moment on, Zeppelin Gold would be my true partner. A partner who would never betray me. Who would never lie. Of course, near the end of our talk, there would be a “moment of verification.” But that wouldn’t be my task.
“If you have questions, ask as many as you wish.”
“Ah, thank you for your kindness.”
“Think nothing of it. We’re partners, aren’t we?”
“Yes, partners! Hahaha!”
“Hahaha!”
My rather frightening master— would handle the rest.
‘It seems I can finally start doubting less.’
Master. Someone’s coming to you soon.