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“Hmm.”

Ian snapped back to reality as the scent of tobacco drifted under his nose. He must’ve dozed off while trying to take a quick break.

As he slowly opened his eyes, he saw a man sitting in a makeshift chair directly in front of him, staring intently.

The man, holding a long tobacco pipe in his mouth, wore a uniform and a cap. He looked like someone in charge of the train, with an air of authority. Leaning back, he started speaking.

“Awake, are we?”

“My apologies. I must’ve fallen asleep without realizing.”

“Seems my train was comfortable enough for you, eh?”

Ian stretched his stiff shoulders and nodded.

“It felt as good as any luxury train. My apologies for the late introduction. I’m Ian Berger.”

“Ah, so you’re the survivor of Fort Helrem. Nice to meet you. I am Count Decarte Divios, conductor of the armored train Pancracia.”

“And how should I address you?”

“Conductor, Count, call me what you like.”

Whoosh-

Decarte took a puff of his cigarette, and the white smoke slowly filled the space, spreading outward.

Cough! Several knights standing nearby coughed at the strong scent. They tried to hold back, but it seemed to intensify the smell.

They clearly weren’t used to it. But Ian quickly realized that this cigarette wasn’t just for leisure.

“This…”

The smell was unique. It was infused with magical power.

Ian furrowed his brow. Decarte immediately noticed, flashing a deep grin.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s a truth serum.”

Decarte’s eyes widened, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.

“And how did you figure that out?”

“I’ve encountered a similar type before.”

“Have you now? I wonder where Berger’s ‘rascal’ could’ve come across such a rare item… And I heard you’ve only recently become a mercenary, no?”

“It’s been a long time, far longer than you’d think, Count.”

“Care to be more specific?”

Ian offered a slight, bitter smile. Since he smelled the smoke, his guard had softened, and he found himself speaking more freely.

However, Ian was aware of this and knew how to handle it as long as there was no violence involved.

“I already told you the specifics.”

“…The more I look, the stranger you seem. If you weren’t wearing the Golden Insignia, I might’ve resorted to force. Truly unfortunate.”

“Are you saying that even knowing I’m a member of the Berger family?”

“What difference would that make? Berger’s reputation comes from Lord Granod and the Black Spear and Red Spear knight orders, not you. You’re nothing. Under the right circumstances, rough measures can be taken, especially during wartime.”

“Then I suppose I was lucky to have earned the Golden Insignia.”

Ian replied calmly, meeting Decarte’s sharp gaze without flinching.

It wasn’t as if Decarte was trying to crush him with an overpowering aura, so handling this was relatively simple.

“If you’re curious, you could’ve just asked me directly. I have no reason to hide anything.”

“…That’s more like it. I was quite shocked at first. Imagine—someone I’ve never seen before just hops aboard my train without a care in the world. Then I see you carrying the seal of appointment for Lord of Fort Helrem. That should be with Count Garavan. So, yes, I do have quite a few questions.”

“This could take a while, you know.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

Decarte said this and gestured to his side.

A crew member, who seemed to be an attendant, approached between the knights, knelt down, and opened a notebook on the seat beside him. Watching the pen clicking, Ian smirked slightly.

Decarte continued speaking, unperturbed.

“Explain everything in detail—what happened, the current situation, and the fate of everyone else.”

Ian started from the events that led him to Fort Helrem, recounting everything that had occurred while he was there. However, he kept the fact that the foreign emissary had shown interest in him a secret. After all, only Garavan knew about it, and unless the emissary mentioned it to someone else, it was unlikely to be revealed.

Ian drew on his magical power.

“…What are you doing?”

Decarte asked in a wary tone, though he showed no immediate reaction. He must have some confidence in his safety or some means to counter whatever came his way.

But Ian had no intention of attacking. The magic he summoned soon formed a protective barrier around Decarte and the crew member, ensuring their conversation would remain private.

“Garavan left a message. I apologize if this breaches protocol, as it’s classified information.”

“And you’re the one who decides that?”

“Yes.”

“So you don’t trust the Holy Knights of the Pantheon.”

“In a time when even heroes can fall, how many people can we trust?”

“And me?”

“If you’re the conductor of this armored train, I trust your loyalty to the Empire is stronger than anyone’s. As for your crew, I trust you’ll manage them accordingly.”

“Heh, alright, go on.”

Ian relayed Garavan’s message faithfully. The opening of an outer gate within the fortress was a serious matter. It suggested that not only the frontline fortresses but even the capital of the Empire might not be safe.

Their advantage over the monsters came not only from possessing exceptional superhumans but also from the strong walls of the fortresses as protective barriers.

Decarte listened intently, his expression grave, holding his pipe in his hand. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh.

“Doesn’t seem like something worth hiding. This will be on everyone’s lips soon enough. You might as well have kept it all a secret from the start.”

“Considering everyone outside could see it, what would be the point?”

“…True enough. Very well, your testimony ends here. You’ve done well. Take your rest.”

“And what happens to me?”

Decarte removed the contents from his pipe with magic, pulled out something else from his pocket, and refilled it as he replied.

“What happens? We’re scheduled to stop at a station with spatial transit. You’ll disembark there. Since you’re not officially affiliated with the military, you have no obligation in this matter. Surviving and reporting everything to us was more than enough.”

Using magic to light his pipe, Decarte took a deep drag, exhaled, and then stood up. He tapped a finger against Ian’s magical barrier.

The magic spread from that exact spot, dismantling the spell’s structure in an instant.

“The military will respond. The fall of a fortress in the rear is no minor issue. It could even mean an escape route may be cut off later.”

“They’ll reclaim Fort Helrem.”

“First, they’ll conduct an investigation. If the foreign emissary’s involvement is true, the Pantheon will likely intervene. Even the Saint, who’s known for being ‘hard to budge,’ might be compelled to move. This is a rare opportunity. You might even meet the Saint. Would you like to participate in the recovery operation? If so, I’ll recommend you to the military.”

“Tempting, but I have other matters to attend to.”

“Is that so?”

Decarte turned away, showing no real regret, as if he’d merely thrown the suggestion out casually.

“Well then, I hope we meet again sometime. Let’s go, Yen.”

“Y-yes, sir.”

The crew member hurriedly packed up the portable chair and followed Decarte.

“Hah…”

Only then did the Holy Knights standing around finally take their seats. Noticing how uncomfortable they seemed around an outsider, Ian moved to a more secluded corner. Crossing his arms, he closed his eyes.

Was it because he had consumed the raw mana stones? Or perhaps from pushing himself to the limit since early morning, both physically and magically? Either way, he felt exhausted and dizzy. He fell asleep almost instantly, as if passing out.

—

When Ian arrived at the Green Magic Tower of Judith, he surveyed the atmosphere.

It seemed news of Garavan hadn’t yet reached them; the place appeared as usual. He walked slowly, looking around for Dior and Audrey, but neither was in sight. Upon inquiry, he learned that Dior had returned to his family after completing his mission, while Audrey had gone off elsewhere. With only a casual acquaintance with her, he had no way of tracking her down.

It was a pity he couldn’t deliver Garavan’s message.

“Is there anything else I can assist you with?”

Ian glanced toward the woman at the reception desk across the lobby.

“Can I meet with Elian Pretus?”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No.”

“Then I’ll reach out and check.”

Ian nodded. Given that it was a magic tower, she didn’t send someone in person but instead used a magical device inside the desk.

Soon, she returned with a bright smile, saying he could meet him right away. Ian was guided into Elian’s office.

“Elian, you have a visitor.”

“Come in!”

The tower staff member even opened the door for him. Entering, Ian saw a man with green hair seated at a desk, reviewing documents.

The man looked up, his eyes widening in surprise as he stood.

“Well, well! Look who it is! Ian! I wondered who my visitor could be. Come, have a seat!”

The warm welcome felt like that of an old friend, and Ian couldn’t help but feel a sense of ease. As Elian made his way around the desk, he suddenly paused, glancing toward the display cabinet nearby. His gaze seemed to ask a silent question.

Care for a drink?

Ian chuckled, nodding, and Elian, clearly delighted, retrieved some liquor and glasses from the cabinet.

“Sorry, but I finished the last of the Solawhale we had the other time. But this one’s just as good, so don’t be too disappointed.”

“Just having some is more than enough, thank you.”

They clinked glasses and drank. The taste was pleasant, and the laugh that escaped him felt like a relief—it had been a while.

“Another round?”

It was like a devil’s temptation. As the liquor poured into their glasses with a satisfying glug, Elian asked,

“So, what brings you here? You didn’t just come by to say hello, did you? I’m guessing you have a favor to ask?”

“Yes. And I also have some bad news. Which would you like to hear first?”

“Let’s start with the first one.”

“I’d like to purchase more of Nerdiell’s Tears.”

A medicine that can calm, relieve pain, awaken, and even restore magical power. It was made by processing Level 6 mana stones, so it would no doubt be costly—but Ian was more than willing to pay. In his previous life, he couldn’t afford luxuries like this, but now that wasn’t a problem.

However, Elian looked troubled.

“Hmm, that might be difficult. Supplies are running low. I could sell you what I have on hand… one, no, make that two. But that’s all I can offer. Will that be enough?”

“That’ll be fine.”

“Alright then, now for the bad news. What is it?”

Ian explained what had happened with Garavan and at Helrem Fortress.

Elian listened quietly, simply swirling his drink. For a long moment, he was silent. Then he drained his glass and set it down.

“So, Garavan was involved in this… Audrey will be heartbroken.”

“Is there anything else we should be concerned about?”

“Well, I imagine the Inquisitors will come around. But there’s no need to worry. They’re not completely rigid. Just because a member of the tower turned rogue, they’re not going to oppress us or pin any false charges on us. They’ll likely question a few people and inspect the comings and goings at the entrance, but that’s about it.”

“And aside from that?”

“I just don’t like the idea of the tower’s atmosphere being disrupted.”

Elian spoke as if it were no big deal, but Ian knew it was more serious than that.

One of the fortresses on the defensive line had fallen. In terms of severity, this could be even more critical than the incident at Flaming. As much as he wanted to help, this was something the Green Magic Tower would need to handle on its own. He’d conveyed everything they needed to know, so they’d find a way to manage.

Elian slowly rose from his seat, went back to his desk, and opened a drawer. He retrieved a small wooden box and brought it over.

“How much do I owe?”

“Consider it a gift, especially after everything with Garavan.”

“I’ll put it to good use. Thank you.”

He’d been a little nervous about the price, so this was a relief.

“Apologies, but something urgent has come up. Let’s meet again soon.”

———-