Chapter 211. To the North Sea (2)
Riard was one of the major cities in the northern region.
The atmosphere of the city was drastically different from other parts of the empire.
"The air here... feels intense," Leo murmured quietly as he observed the clothing of the people walking around the streets.
Thick coats made of animal fur were to be expected, but what caught Leo's eye was that a significant number of the citizens carried weapons.
"I knew it. My luck's been too good lately," Caron muttered, also observing the city.
Leo narrowed his eyes and asked, "Do you have any idea what's going on?"
"Probably a Monster Wave. Hmm, I hadn't heard any information about that before we left Azureocean Castle... Maybe they only sensed the signs recently," Caron assumed.
The city itself wasn't particularly large. There weren't many buildings, and it was barely enough to be called a city.
In truth, Riard was at this level only because merchants frequently traveled through it.
The high walls and the considerable number of soldiers guarding them served as a silent reminder of just how dangerous the northern region was.
We need information, Caron thought.
Luckily, the Ducal Family of Leston had an informant in Riard. Caron had already contacted Azureocean Castle just in case, and they had provided him with the contact method.
It would be best to gather some information before making any further moves. If a Monster Wave had indeed been detected, the difficulty of their journey to the North Sea was about to increase tenfold.
Caron nodded to himself and approached a passerby walking ahead. He asked, "Excuse me. Could I ask you for some directions?"
The man, who wore a white fur coat, turned to look at Caron. He frowned slightly, giving Caron a quick once-over.
At the moment, Caron was using the Doppelganger Mask to disguise himself as a man in his mid-twenties.
The man didn't recognize Caron's true identity, but his tone was curt as he replied, "You're an outsider, aren't you?"
The distinctive bluntness of the northern dialect was unmistakable.
"Is it that obvious?" Caron asked.
"Anyone could tell from the way you talk. What brings an outsider to this place?" the man asked.
"Nothing special. I'm just looking for ways to make some money," Caron answered.
"I don't have time, so get to the point," the man said.
"I'm looking for an inn called the Frosthaven," Caron replied.
The man's tone wasn't just curt—it bordered on outright hostility. However, despite his gruff manner, he pointed east with his finger and said, "It's three blocks that way. You'll see a big sign, so you'll be able to find it easily."
"Thank you—" Caron began, but was cut off by the man.
"Just get your business done quickly and leave the city. We don't like outsiders around here," the man interrupted.
With that final sharp remark, he turned and walked away, leaving Caron and Leo standing in his wake.
Caron watched the man's retreating figure with a shrug, then asked, "Shall we go, Leo?"
"This place has quite the atmosphere. Are we going to get stoned to death or something?" Leo muttered, only half-joking.
"No, it won't come to that. At worst, we'll get roughed up a little," Caron replied nonchalantly, nodding as if it was no big deal.
The two cousins followed the direction the man had indicated, moving briskly through the streets. Just as the man had warned, the other citizens also sent wary, distrustful glances their way.
It wasn't this bad the last time I was here... Something's definitely happening, Caron thought.
Something had clearly gone wrong in Riard.
After walking through that heavy atmosphere for about ten minutes, they finally arrived in front of an inn with a sign that read "Frosthaven."
Ding-a-ling.
The bell on the door chimed as they entered, and the lively noise from within spilled out.
But the boisterous atmosphere lasted only a moment. The instant Caron and Leo stepped inside, all eyes turned toward them.
Caron met their stares with calm indifference as he walked further inside and chose a seat in a corner. He called out, "Innkeeper. We'd like to order."
As Caron's voice echoed through the room, a burly, middle-aged man with a menacing expression strode over. He looked more like the boss of a violent gang than an innkeeper.
The man placed a glass of water on the table and asked gruffly, "What do you want?"
"Two bowls of stew made with fresh wolf meat," Caron ordered.
"Picky customer, aren't you?" the innkeeper grumbled.
"When you're in the northern area, you have to try the wolf meat at least once," Caron replied.
"And to drink?" the innkeeper asked.
"Two shots of vodka," Caron answered.
"Got it. I'll bring it right out," the innkeeper said.
After taking their order, the innkeeper disappeared into the kitchen.
Caron let out a quiet breath, resting Guillotine lightly against the table.
"Wolf meat stew? That doesn't sound appetizing." Leo murmured under his breath.
"It's better than you think," Caron said.
"It's a code, right?" Leo asked.
"Yes, it is," Caron answered.
The order was a signal to establish contact with their informant.
Caron took a sip of the water the innkeeper had brought while waiting patiently. It didn't take long before a woman approached their table.
"May I join you?" she asked.
Her blonde hair cascaded just past her shoulders, and a light dusting of freckles adorned her nose. She looked to be in her early twenties at most. Her plain but pleasant features softened as she smiled gently at Caron.
Caron gave a halfhearted nod and answered, "Suit yourself."
Taking that as permission, she quietly sat in the empty chair across from them and spoke in a soft, composed voice. "It's an honor to meet you both. My name is Natasha."
"As you can see, we're just merchants," Caron replied.
"Haha, I figured as much. I've been informed about your arrival, and I've been quite worried," Natasha said.
Natasha was the informant for the Ducal Family of Leston. Caron wondered if she was someone well-known in this city, because several of the patrons drinking nearby raised their glasses in her direction.
"Are you flirting with the outsiders this time, Natasha?" one of the patrons asked.
"If Tom from the mill saw this, he'd be in tears," another added.
"Mind your own business, old men!" Natasha snapped sharply at them before turning back to Caron with a bright smile. She explained, "The people here may be wary of outsiders, but they're warm-hearted deep down."
"Have you been here for a long time?" Caron asked casually.
"Riard is also my hometown," Natasha answered.
After introducing herself briefly, she wasted no time getting to the point. "To be blunt, I'd advise you to leave the city as soon as possible."
"An eviction notice already? And why is that?" Caron asked.
"The atmosphere isn't good," Natasha answered.
Ssshhhhh.
Caron quietly summoned Pluto, using it to block out the surrounding noise. Then, with an amused look, he turned his gaze back to Natasha and said, "That's for me to decide. Just give me the information."
"Ah, my apologies," Natasha replied.
She bowed her head respectfully and began to speak in a hushed tone. "Three days ago, a rumor spread that a treasure was discovered in a dungeon near Riard. It's said to be a sword imbued with the chill of the North. According to the rumors... It's a weapon mentioned in ancient legends."
A sword from legend... It was a story intriguing enough to pique Caron's interest as well.
"Go on," Caron said.
"The problem is that uninvited guests have arrived after hearing that rumor. Their presence has put the city on edge," Natasha continued.
"And who are these guests?" Caron asked, his tone growing serious.
Natasha let out a small sigh before answering quietly, "The Imperial Guards."
Caron's eyes narrowed slightly, then said, "Tell me everything."
"It's... a long story," Natasha said.
She took a sip of water before quickly launching into her explanation.
***
Natasha's summary boiled down to the following points:
"1. A sword was discovered in a dungeon. 2. Upon hearing the news, the Imperial Guards suddenly arrived and demanded the sword be handed over. 3. The Lord of Kandle refused their demand, but the Imperial Guards kept pushing aggressively. 4. Their tyranny enraged the citizens."
"They're acting less like Imperial Guards and more like a gang of thugs," Caron said as he nodded and spooned a mouthful of stew into his mouth. "No wonder people are on edge. I'd be the same."
The North had been ignored for a very long time. On the other hand, the Imperial Guards was a military force representing the royal family. If such people suddenly came demanding treasure, resistance was inevitable.
"A sword coveted by the Imperial Guards... A blade imbued with the chill of the North... Could it be Rigor?" Guillotine wondered.
Rigor? Caron repeated.
"It is an ancient sword passed down through the ages. We'd have to see it for ourselves to be sure, though," Guillotine explained.
It was definitely an intriguing story. For any swordsman, the mere mention of a legendary blade was enough to ignite curiosity.
"So, what do you think we should do, Leo?" Caron asked casually, his eyes gleaming with interest.
Leo, who had just drained his stew and wiped his mouth with his sleeve, replied without hesitation, "Do whatever you want."
"Really?" Caron asked.
"Go look in the mirror. Your eyes are telling me that you've already lost your mind. You're dying to get your hands on that sword, aren't you?" Leo replied.
"You know me too well, Leo," Caron said.
They were planning to stay in the city for the night anyway. Caron thought it would be easy enough to slip out and take a look during the night.
As a wicked grin spread across Caron's face, Leo let out a deep sigh and shook his head. Then, turning to Natasha, he said, "The capital is quite far from here. How did the Imperial Guards get here so quickly?"
"Well..." Natasha began.
"Leo, the Imperial Guards conduct regular patrols in the North," Caron interjected before Natasha could answer. "They're here to ensure that the northern lords aren't plotting rebellion. Isn't that right, Natasha?"
"...Yes, that's exactly right," Natasha agreed.
They had likely heard about the sword while patrolling the region.
Caron finished off the last of his stew and chased it down with the vodka. The strong alcohol burned its way down his throat, heating up his insides. The harsh aftertaste confirmed that it was cheap vodka, but it certainly did the job of warming him up.
After that single drink, he finally understood why the northern folk were so fond of vodka.
"Natasha, could you arrange a meeting between us and Lord Kandle?" Caron asked.
"Yes, I can make that happen," Natasha answered.
"I'd appreciate it," Caron replied.
He had originally planned to keep a low profile and leave quietly, but his plans had changed. The Imperial Guards wouldn't have made a move without a solid reason.
Caron gave Natasha a slight nod, and she immediately rose from her seat.
"I'll go make the arrangements. Could you wait here for a moment?" Natasha asked.
"Sure, I'll leave it to you," Caron replied.
With a brisk pace, Natasha left the inn and disappeared into the night.
"Ugh, why do people pay money to drink this stuff?" Leo grimaced, his face contorting after taking a sip of the vodka.
Caron glanced at his empty glass and smirked, then said, "It's a taste of adulthood."
"It's just strong and burns all the way down... There's no taste at all," Leo said.
"That's exactly the point. Anyway, Leo," Caron said.
"What now?" Leo asked.
"It's about time we grabbed our weapons," Caron answered.
"Hmm, such a shame. The stew was so good. Do you think I can ask for another bowl?" Leo asked.
"That stew was laced with enough poison to kill an elephant. If it weren't for the Thousand Venom Pill, we'd be dead by now," Caron answered.
"That bad, huh?" Leo remarked.
The two exchanged words casually as they stood up from their seats.
"Do you think Natasha is in on it?" Leo asked, his expression serious.
Caron shook his head slowly then answered, "Not exactly... It feels more like she's being used without realizing it. If she were part of it, there's no way she'd have handed over the information so easily."
He smiled faintly and cast a glance around the room before calling out, "Ladies and gentlemen of Riard, I'd like your attention for a moment. Listen carefully because I won't say this twice."
The lively, noisy atmosphere of the inn cooled instantly.
Caron raised a finger and began pointing people out. One by one, he singled out eleven individuals.
Then, in a low and calm voice, he said, "The people I just pointed at—please leave the inn immediately."
"W-Who do you think you are to—" someone began, but paused immediately as Caron drew Guillotine without a moment's hesitation.
Schling!
The blade gleamed with a chilling, dark blue light.
"I suggest you leave while I'm still asking nicely," Caron advised.
Here in the North, actions spoke louder than words. With Caron's blade out, the chosen individuals grumbled but didn't dare disobey. They quickly shuffled out of the inn, muttering under their breath.
In the end, only eight people remained inside—Caron, Leo, the innkeeper, and five others.
"There's definitely something going on in this city. Otherwise, they wouldn't be rolling out the welcome mat like this," Caron said.
Creak...
Just then, the inn's door swung open.
A group of knights stepped inside, their movements crisp and calculated. The emblem of a golden lion gleamed on their armor.
"Caron, those bastards..." Leo muttered, his tone grim.
"Yes," Caron said, nodding with an unsettling grin. "They're doppelgangers."
They were monsters that devoured humans and mimicked their forms. If these creatures were lurking here, then something sinister was definitely afoot in this city.
"Well, well... This just keeps getting better," he remarked.
A sinister smile crept onto Caron's face.
His expression mirrored that of a child who had just found a fascinating new toy.