I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

Chapter 308

So, he plans to use me like this, huh? Ian suppressed a bitter laugh.

The reason he had never expected to be sent to the North was precisely because he was a Great Warrior there. His reputation spanned the entire continent, but it was in the North where his influence was most direct and powerful. It wouldn’t be surprising if a new military faction formed around him—a warlord with the full support of the Northern people, possibly even outside the control of the central Empire.

"Join forces with the frontier defense forces and prevent the impending invasion. Additionally—"

Despite the potential risks of such a scenario, the Emperor had used Ian’s authority, even to the point of thrusting a formal title upon him, forcing him to take on this responsibility.

Does this mean he truly recognizes how serious the situation is? Or...

Just then, a quest window appeared before Ian's eyes.

[To the Front Lines]

It was the same as a quest he’d received in the game. But the objective was entirely different. This time, instead of aiding the eastern front, his goal was to head to Karlingion, the fortress on the Northern front.

Of all places, Karlingion, huh?

Karlingion was the most critical stronghold on the front lines, the place that would be in the greatest danger once the invasion began. It also meant it would be the most valuable location for gaining experience.

"After assembly, supreme command will be delegated to Archduke Olaf. This authority will remain in place until the dissolution of the Margrave's battalion, at which point you are to return to the capital to report your results."

As Ian closed the quest window, another immediately appeared.

[Warriors of the North.]

The objective was to gather as many Northern warriors as possible before the encroachment began. It was clearly a barbarian-exclusive chain quest.

Of course, it wasn’t particularly surprising. If Ian had sought an audience with the Order instead of the royal house, he would’ve likely received quests exclusive to knights or acolytes. In any case, he wasn’t expecting any quests designed for mages. As long as Ian kept the fact that he was a mage hidden, that would continue to be the case.

If I reveal it, it will cause absolute chaos, Ian thought, clicking his tongue.

As Seras carefully rolled up the parchment, she spoke again, "Receive the golden bull with due reverence."

Ian spread his hands wide and raised them above his head as Seras silently approached.

"I trust you will do your utmost to protect the Northern front, Margrave," the Emperor said, his voice still flat and devoid of emotion. The moment Seras placed the decree in Ian’s hands, the Emperor rose from his throne.

"We’ll discuss your rightful compensation upon your return," he added nonchalantly, before turning and walking away. The sound of footsteps echoed, followed by the opening and closing of a door.

He could have at least let me stand before walking away.

Grumbling inwardly, Ian looked up, holding the decree in his hands. The faint smile on his lips confirmed that the title he had been given was essentially a down payment. Had there been more time, he might have negotiated further about his compensation.

Well, there’s no rush. I can settle that after the mission.

By then, his position and circumstances would likely have changed. With that thought in mind, Ian rose to his feet. There was no need to remain kneeling, after all—the Emperor had left the chamber.

"Travel through Burdin and head to the North, Agent of the Saint," the elderly man spoke then, drawing Ian’s attention. He added calmly, "There will be allies waiting to assist you there."

So, they’re sending someone to keep an eye on me, huh?

Even while thinking that, Ian nodded without hesitation.

"I’ll do as you say," he replied.

Regardless of their intended role, how to use them would be up to him. If their purpose was truly to monitor him, they would be immediately put in harm's way without hesitation.

The elderly man, satisfied with Ian’s response, added, "Then, please receive the gifts."

They sure prepared a lot, didn’t they?

Ian smirked slightly as the approaching servant came into view. It was clear the Emperor had planned everything in advance, anticipating his visit. Perhaps the Emperor had even been certain from the start that Seras would succeed.

The servant stopped in front of Ian, offering a silver tray. Now, Ian could clearly see the two items on it: an ornate paper with a black cover embossed with gold, and a large, heavy metal key.

The elderly man's voice followed. "A certificate stamped with His Majesty’s goldenseal and the key to your barony estate."

His words were enough to catch Ian’s full attention.

"A house of my own?" Ian asked as he picked up the key. The elderly man blinked, apparently surprised that Ian reached for the key first, and then replied.

"... Yes, of course. It is a legally owned property."

"Impressive...."

To think I’d fulfill my dream of owning a house in this world.

Feeling an unexpected surge of fondness toward the Emperor, Ian glanced down at the large key in his hand. Engraved on the ring at the top of the key were letters and numbers—likely an address. Ian subtly showed it to Seras, who nodded. Judging by her expression, though, she seemed to have interpreted it differently than he intended.

Well, I can always ask for more details later.

Ian then picked up the certificate, turning his gaze back to the elderly man.

"Just one more question."

"Go ahead," the elderly man responded.

Ian gave the certificate a slight shake. "Do I also receive a salary from the royal house now?"

The elderly man’s mouth opened slightly in surprise. After blinking several times, he let out a sigh and answered, "Yes, of course... Is there anything else you wish to ask?"

"No, that will be all."

"In that case..." The elderly man gestured toward the back of the room, a hint of weariness in his movement.

Come to think of it, what exactly is this old man’s position?

At that moment, Seras glanced back at Ian, biting her lower lip slightly as if suppressing a smile. She nodded and walked.

Well, what do I care about his position, anyway?

Ian shrugged and turned as well. The doors to the audience chamber were once again wide open, waiting for them.

***

As Ian exited the royal palace, he blinked in surprise. A familiar carriage was waiting at the base of the steps. It seemed Phaden and Asme had brought the carriage right up to the front of the palace. Only then did Ian realize that Seras' final hand gesture had been a signal for them to follow with the carriage.

... Is that even allowed?

In any case, neither half of the Imperial guards nor Kedric were anywhere to be seen. They had probably left, unable to endure the stares of the other royal family members. Though their departure was rude, Ian wasn’t particularly bothered. He had no intention of maintaining a close relationship with Kedric anyway.

In fact, having met the Emperor in person, he was even less convinced that Kedric had what it took to be the Emperor. Apologies to Seras, but Ian couldn’t see it.

As Seras boarded the carriage behind Ian, she suddenly glanced back. "You head back with the soldiers first, Asme."

She continued, "We need to prepare for the move to Venus Palace."

Asme’s eyes widened in surprise. However, Seras simply smiled and climbed into the carriage. Just before the door closed, she extended her hand toward Ian.

"Sir, may I have the key for a moment?"

Ian, who had placed his belongings on the seat beside him, handed over the key without hesitation. Seras opened the small window and handed the key to Phaden.

"Head to this address instead of the lodging. It’s the house His Majesty has granted to the Agent of the Saint."

"...! Yes, Your Highness." Phaden accepted the key respectfully and closed the window.

So, it really was an address, after all.

Nodding to himself, Ian leaned back deeply into his seat. The carriage moved just as Seras shut the door.

Darkness filled the interior, but Seras didn’t bother to light the Magic Stone Lamp. Instead, she slumped back against the seat, her body sinking into the shadows.

For the first time, the exhaustion she had been hiding was plainly visible on her face. She probably didn’t expect Ian to be able to see her so clearly in the dark. The only reason Ian had lit the magic stone lamp at night before was so Elia could read.

...No need to tell her that, Ian thought.

Instead, he reached under the seat and grabbed a bottle of wine. It was the last one left, something he had grown tired of, but now it seemed like a blessing. He took a sip and then offered the bottle to Seras.

"Wine? Care for some?"

"... Yes, thank you. It’s just what I needed," Seras replied, groping for the bottle in the dark before adding, "Once we’ve taken you to the residence, I’ll head straight to the Sonnier family estate to deliver your promised payment."

"Do as you wish."

"The gold coins should be ready immediately. As for the others... I'll send someone to handle it separately."

"Understood."

Her hesitant, vague addition was likely out of consideration for the Emperor, given they were still in the capital's heart.

"When do you plan to visit the residence?"

"If it’s ready, I’ll go as early as tomorrow morning," Ian replied, shrugging as he took the bottle back from her. "After all, I’ve been given an Imperial command. I can’t afford to dawdle, can I?"

Of course, the real reason Ian wanted to leave as soon as possible was to avoid the inevitable wave of bothersome tasks and attention that would follow if he stayed any longer.

While he might get through tomorrow without much trouble, it was only a matter of time before the location of his new residence became common knowledge. And with each passing moment, the erosion drew nearer. He didn’t have much time left to rally the Northern warriors and head to the front lines, since unexpected obstacles could also arise at any moment.

The Northern Barbarians won’t follow orders unless I go to them directly.

While those who had already pledged their allegiance to him wouldn’t pose any issues, they were only a fraction of the whole. Besides, he wasn’t even sure if they were still in their settlements. With Tahumrit gone, it wouldn’t be surprising if they had all returned to their homelands. If that were the case, Ian would have to travel across the snowfields, gathering them all again.

"After we drop you at the residence, may I borrow the carriage for a while? I’ll return it once my business is finished."

"Go ahead. We might as well settle everything at once, including the payment."

"Yes, I’ll do that."

With that, the conversation trailed off, and the two of them just passed the wine bottle back and forth in silence.

Ian's thoughts drifted back to the Emperor and the orders that had been given to him. Something about the Emperor—the strange presence, the crafty demeanor—felt off as if there was more going on than what had been said. Ian was sure the Emperor harbored some other secret.

What they might be would reveal themselves in time, as this meeting felt like just the beginning. He had a sinking feeling that it might turn into something far more troublesome down the line, perhaps even a fateful entanglement.

"... Thank you, Sir," Seras spoke up suddenly after the carriage jolted slightly. By now, the bottle was half-empty.

Ian, taking the bottle from her, raised an eyebrow. "That’s a bit out of the blue. I’ll gladly accept your thanks, though."

"It’s because you stood by my side earlier, rather than siding with my brother. Honestly, you didn’t have any real reason to do that."

Oh, that?

Ian smirked and responded, "I had a reason."

Her eyes gleamed in the dark, curious. "What was it?"

"It was annoying. You did all the work, yet he planned to take all the credit and reward."

"...!"

"I don’t mind when I’m the one pulling that trick, but I hate it when others do it." Ian finished his sentence and took a sip from the bottle.

Seras blinked at him for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"My goodness... If my brother heard that, his face would’ve turned bright red. Though, I’m sure it already was when he left," She muttered, wiping a tear from her eye.

Ian thought it wasn’t exactly that funny, but before he could dwell on it, the carriage jolted again. He placed the bottle on Seras’s lap with a grin.

"Now, I can finally speak freely."

The nagging sensation that had lingered until now vanished in an instant. They had officially left the capital behind. Taking the bottle, Seras stretched lazily and sighed.

"Finally," she murmured, her tone much more relaxed now. "I’ll never forget the favor of you helping me secure a new residence, Agent of the Saint. Don’t worry about the two remaining in the capital—I’ll continue to assist them whenever possible."

"Sounds like moving to a new residence seems to carry more meaning than it appears," Ian commented, nodding.

Seras took a sip of the wine and smiled. "On the surface, it means I have more people under my command. However, symbolically, it means much more. It shows that I’ve truly gained my father’s favor. My influence in the capital will grow significantly... in more ways than one."

Her words carried a deeper significance, and Ian couldn’t help but smile. "The Third Prince probably won’t be too pleased."

"Perhaps not," Seras replied, placing the wine bottle on Ian’s lap.

"But even so, at this point, there’s nothing to be done. Thanks to you for taking my hand, Sir."

Seras’s eyes glimmered in the darkness. Perhaps this situation had fanned the flames of her ambition, which had only been a small spark before. Though, of course, the chances of that ambition being realized remained quite slim.

"Then let's keep holding on a little longer."

Seras tilted her head slightly at Ian’s next words.

He took the wine bottle and added, "I expect I’ll be returning to the capital more often in the future. Whether it’s seeing the Emperor or taking care of other matters, having someone by my side would make things a lot easier, wouldn’t it?"

"Are you saying you’d like to continue receiving my support?"

"I’m suggesting a mutually beneficial arrangement. Our relationship seems to be of some use to you as well, doesn’t it?"

"Of course...!" Seras responded, straightening her posture with a renewed energy. "You’ve made a wise decision, Agent of the Saint. You won’t regret it."

"We’ll see about that. But just to warn you, I can’t guarantee you won’t regret it yourself," Ian said with a teasing grin before taking a sip of wine.

Unfazed, Seras smiled and replied, "I don’t mind. As long as you don’t plot treason, I’ll remain a loyal ally to you, Sir. Or should I say, Margrave... and Baron."

"Just call me what you always do. No need for formalities," Ian said with a low chuckle, removing the wine bottle from his lips.

Then he asked, "Do you know exactly where the lands His Majesty has given to me are located?"

Seras tilted her head in curiosity. "You should know, shouldn't you? You’re the Great Warrior of the North, after all."

"Everyone seems to have the wrong idea. I’m not actually from the North. And honestly, I didn’t spend as much time there as people think."

In the game, he had indeed spent considerable time in the North, but outside of key locations, he hadn’t paid much attention.

As Ian took another sip of wine, Seras nodded thoughtfully and explained, "Lu Glast and Nor Lindor are located south of the Ahigorn Mountains. Gal Maro is just to the south of those two territories."

"So, in other words..."

A faint, unsurprised chuckle crossed Ian’s lips. He wiped his mouth with the palm of his hand and added, "It’s all in the snowfields, then."