I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

The meeting was held in the auditorium. Ian and Mev sat side by side in the middle of the hall, where the smell of blood had not yet completely dissipated. The looks of the members were completely different from a few days ago. The king was polite as if he had never treated Mev as a madwoman.

Despite the king's platitudes, Mev showed no change in expression. She only said what needed to be said. Ian was the same. He submitted evidence brought from Orendel, including the heads of Duke Burchard and Mason, and a letter written by Declan. The king was very pleased with the content of the letter.

"The new lord of Orendel is very faithful and loyal," said the king.

Having acknowledged Declan's legitimacy, he then looked at Ian. He continued, "It says in this letter that your contribution was significant. You are trustworthy and capable. You beheaded Duke Burchard yourself, didn't you?"

"Yes," Ian answered calmly.

Despite Ian's seemingly disrespectful attitude, no one looked at him with disapproval. He was celebrated as a national hero. There were even whispers suggesting his skills with the sword could match those of Mev.

With a smile, the king spoke up, "As you can see, Agel Lan needs competent people like you more than ever, especially after such a tragedy. What do you say to living as a noble in Agel Lan?"

The proposal was so insignificant that it couldn't provoke even a scoff from Ian.

"I'll think about it," Ian responded, nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders.

Given that he needed to remain in Agel Lan until his recovery, there was no point in outright dismissing it. It was the perfect moment to shift the conversation to a more relevant subject. Ian proceeded to do just that, pulling out Duke Burchard's book.

"Right now, it seems our priority should be to root out the remaining traitors," said Ian.

"Are there still traitors left?" Ian signaled to the knights watching.

He had been keeping an eye on the traitors since entering the meeting hall. The meeting turned into a trial. The traitors, who had not expected their identities to be revealed at this point, were bound one after another.

"No, this is a false accusation!"

"I'm wronged, Your Majesty, wronged!"

"Please spare me! I was only doing as I was told-"

The responses from the accused were diverse, yet the end result remained unchanged. Soldiers escorted the condemned traitors toward the place of execution, with knights brandishing their swords trailing behind to guard against any unexpected developments.

What followed was yet another carnage, however, the king appeared more pleased than ever.

The majority of those branded as traitors were previously proponents of peace. Similar to Regis, their intention to oppose the conflict was to incite the king's ire. This facilitated a quicker resolution to the remainder of the meeting.

"We have endured a profound tragedy. Yet, ultimately, we have triumphed over adversity and dispelled the darkness that plagued our kingdom. The clear guidance of the bright Goddess and the stern Goddess watching over our kingdom has never been more evident," said the king.

The king, along with Mev, proclaimed to the gathered people from the city walls, "From this moment on, Agel Lan will be reborn as a stronger and more faithful kingdom. Only victory and glory will fill our kingdom's future!"

Soldiers brought out carts filled with wine, wheat, and meat. The cheers for the king and the kingdom grew louder. It was a decisive moment for the future of Agel Lan.

***

"Victory and glory, huh? Ridiculous,” Miguel muttered, chewing on meat.

The voices of the feasting nobles were noisy. Like the citizens of Agel Lan, a banquet was also held in the castle. Ian, Philip, and Miguel gathered in the farthest corner of the banquet hall.

"To His Majesty, this event must have felt like a revelation. The damage was less than expected, and all those who opposed the war turned out to be traitors." Philip bitterly swallowed his beer. His gaze toward the king at the high table was not kind.

It was expected. The king's mourning today was nothing more than a few formal words. Everything else was about war. Philip, who was with Ian, knew well that now was not the time for war. Philip’s eyes, filled with disdain, shifted toward Mev, who was seated next to the king, chewing her food with an empty expression.

"...I'm worried about her," said Philip.

While Philip's words went in Ian’s ear and out the other, Ian focused solely on chewing and swallowing the meat in front of him. He needed to replenish his nutrients to recover as soon as possible.

"Sir Ian." At that moment, a knight sat down in front of them. Philip and Miguel exchanged glances as Ian glanced at him with just his eyes. It was Jonathan, a young man from the royal guard.

"I came to express my gratitude and to say something," said Jonathan.

"What's that?" Ian asked as he turned his gaze back to his plate.

Jonathan did not seem bothered. His look toward Ian was filled with respect and awe. In the meeting, Mev had said that Ian was the one who had made the greatest contribution to defeating Regis. Most nobles, and even the king, thought this was her being modest. But a few knew it wasn't an exaggeration and Jonathan was one of them.

"Once your health improves a bit more, please visit the castle again. As His Majesty mentioned earlier, there will be a fitting reward for you. I would like to serve you then, if possible," said Jonathan.

"Is it money?" Ian asked.

"Yes. And the royal armory will be opened to you. His Majesty intends to bestow upon you arms befitting your status. You can choose whatever you need," Jonathan replied.

"That's good to hear.” Ian nodded his head.

Almost all of his equipment had been damaged in the battle with Regis. All that was left was the Sword of Judgement.

"I look forward to the day you join the knights and serve together," said Jonathan.

Thinking how easily Jonathan was counting his chickens before they hatched, Ian shrugged.

He's really counting his chickens before they hatch, Ian thought as he shrugged nonchalantly.

Jonathan then added, "If the two heroes of Agel Lan unite, victory in the upcoming war will surely be ours–"

At that moment, Philip loudly set down his beer mug, drawing attention without a glance at Jonathan, and turned to Ian.

"I'll be heading back first, my lord," said Philip.

"What? Why so o soon?" Miguel raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Philip stood up, "I'm worried about leaving the lady alone. I've lost my appetite anyway. I'll take care of the house, so please enjoy your time without me."

He left without another look back, prompting Miguel to click his tongue in disapproval.

"He's become quite prickly, hasn't he? Just let it go in one ear and out the other," said Miguel.

Miguel's gaze toward Jonathan was not exactly friendly either. Ian, hiding a smirk, signaled Jonathan, "If you're done talking, you can go. Let us eat in peace."

"Oh. I must have been a disturbance. Understood," said Jonathan.

"And if there are others who intend to come, stop them," said Ian.

"I'll pass that along as well," Jonathan bowed politely and turned away.

Miguel chuckled as he watched Jonathan retreating back, "You've already got yourself a fine follower. I understand Philip's feelings, but honestly, it's not a bad offer, is it?"

Ian snorted shortly, "Then you do it."

"It's not about wanting to. One has to be asked," said Miguel.

"So you do want to," said Ian.

"Well... It's not that I have affection for the kingdom. It's just..." Miguel scratched his chin, took a sip of his beer, and said, "I'm concerned about you, sir. And Lady Lucy as well."

"So, you're thinking of settling down?" Ian asked.

"If you would permit it," said Miguel.

"Well, yes. With your skills, that might be the best way to survive longer," said Ian,

Miguel glanced at Mev then added, "Aren't you worried? She looks like she has no will to live.”

“It’s that she has nothing to protect, having completed her revenge. It's up to her to find a new purpose in her life," said Ian.

"...From what you're saying, it seems you're planning to leave. I suspected as much," said Miguel.

"Don't worry, I'm not asking you to come with me," said Ian.

"It's not about worry. It's about feeling disappointed. Really, it is." Miguel snorted through his nose and then suddenly turned to Ian.

"Anyway, there was something I meant to tell you before," said Miguel.

"What now?" Ian asked.

"I heard an interesting rumor. You know, about that night." Miguel lowered his voice.

Miguel continued, "There's a rumor about a mysterious being fighting those hounds around the outer city. Apparently, it saved several people."

"A mysterious being...?" Ian asked.

"It sounds far-fetched, but from what I heard, they twisted the hounds' necks and drank their blood," said Ian.

Ian ceased his chewing, set his fork down on the table, and turned his gaze toward Miguel.

"Go on," said Ian.

"I knew you'd be interested. Some say it was a beautiful woman with grey hair and red eyes, others say it was a monster with fangs. Anyway, it called people tasteless creatures and yelled at them to stay back," Miguel smirked subtly.

Miguel continued, "Wait and see, His Majesty might issue a bounty.”

"I doubt it. If it drank that much blood, it won't show its face for a while," said Ian.

"Huh...? You have an idea what it might be?" Miguel asked.

"Somewhat," Ian replied.

Eventually, we will either kill or be killed by the other, thinking this, Ian smacked his lip. It was unmistakably Thesaya. That vampire fairy was in Agel Lan.

Could she have followed me here? Ian mused.

Although it seemed like a wild guess, the possibility couldn't be entirely dismissed.

...Just to be safe, I should avoid going out for a while, thought Ian.

Remembering the age-old lore of vampires, a staple of this world as much as any other, Ian nodded to himself. Yet, if by some slim chance, she had indeed followed him, he would need to be cautious from the moment he left Agel Lan.

"Your expression is too grave. Is it a dangerous creature? A monster?" Miguel asked.

"...No. Just make sure to close your windows when you sleep from now on,” said Ian.

As Ian picked up his fork again, he added, "And if someone asks from outside the window if they can come in, never respond."

Miguel's confused expression soon turned into a frown.

"That does sound incredibly dangerous! What is it, exactly?" Miguel asked.

You don’t need to know, thought Ian.

Ian chose not to respond and simply continued eating his meat.

***

“Phew...” Ian let out his breath.

After waking from his meditation, Ian felt refreshed. Meditation helped not only with mana recovery but also with healing injuries.

After moving his body around, he eventually looked down at his arms. The enduring scars were a testament to a fleeting moment of carelessness, leaving indelible marks across his arms and legs.

Nonetheless, the fact that he had recovered to this extent in just over a week could only be described as superhuman. A normal person would have needed months of convalescence for such injuries, and it wouldn't have been surprising if they had resulted in permanent disabilities.

"...Maybe next time, it really will be irreversible," said Ian.

Ian's gaze grew somber. He had reflected similarly in the past. The truth was, as the number of times things had gone his way increased and he successfully navigated through uncertainties, he had become arrogant. He knew he should always consider the variables, before finding himself in an irreversible situation. Ideally, predicting every possible outcome would be the best approach, but he wasn't quite that clever.

The dilemma of being smart but not smart enough thought Ian.

Ian flexed and unflexed his fist, meticulously checking the condition of his body. The pressure disguised as the king's offer was becoming hard to ignore.

So far, he had managed to hold his ground under the pretext of recovery. However, it was only a matter of time before they realized he had no intention of staying. King Erwin II, with his narrow-minded and foolish ways, wouldn't hesitate to reclaim the rewards he had bestowed.

Then I'll have no choice but to resist, and then the city will descend into chaos again..., thought Ian.

Ian didn't wish for a graceful farewell, but he certainly wanted to avoid a messy and troublesome departure. Leaving quietly in the dead of night seemed like the cleanest solution.

Naturally, his thoughts drifted to Bel Ronde, the neighboring kingdom likely to go to war with Agel Lan. Although just another village in the grand scheme of things, it served as a gateway to the wider world, whether through the North or the East. Since border inspections were not yet stringent, he anticipated an easy passage.

Once I wrap up any remaining business–, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Ian, do you have a moment?" It was Mev's voice.

Surprised by her late visit, Ian opened the door, “Was today's sparring not enough for you?"

Ian used rehabilitation as a pretext to spar with Mev nearly every day, not out of concern for her, but for his own benefit. He felt his swordsmanship skills improving leaps and bounds by following her lead, and he wanted to seize the opportunity to learn as much as possible before they parted ways. Mev, for her part, did not decline.

Her recovery abilities seemed even more remarkable than Ian's, despite having sustained more severe injuries. Ian had never won a single bout against her; neither her technique nor her strength had any match. It was as if her body, blessed by the divine, was made of entirely different components than that of an ordinary human.

Nonetheless, it was clear Mev enjoyed their sparring sessions. It was the only time of the day when she genuinely smiled, often pointing out Ian's weaknesses outright or making light-hearted jokes under the guise of consolation.

"Of course... I didn't come for sparring," Mev said, glancing away after seeing Ian's bare upper body.

We had even bathed together, what’s with the sudden modesty, Ian chuckled softly and stepped aside.

"Come in, first," said Ian.

After putting on his upper garment, Ian turned to Mev, who had taken a seat in a corner chair. "So, what brings you here?"

"Well, um..." Mev hesitated, her lips moving slightly without making a sound, her gaze mixed with hesitation and apology.

Ian easily noticed she had another favor to ask. Despite having helped her significantly in the past, it seemed she felt quite guilty about bringing up another request.

If I leave her to it, the dawn will break, Ian watched her, chuckling softly before finally speaking up.

"Just speak up. If you have a request, just say so," said Ian.

Mev's gaze shifted as Ian shrugged.

"Ultimately, it's up to me to accept or decline. I'll refuse anything as impossible as taking care of those left behind, so just go ahead and tell me," said Ian.

"...Right. You will," With an awkward cough, Mev cast a cautious glance toward Ian.

"Ian, have you already decided on your next destination?" Mev asked.

There were several topics they deliberately avoided discussing, such as how Ian was able to use blue magic. Farewells were treated in the same vein. She had never asked Ian when or to where he planned to depart. Perhaps because bringing it up wouldn't change anything. Although he had been contemplating this very subject moments ago, Ian shook his head in response.

"Not yet. I'm still considering my options," Ian replied.

"That's fortunate. In that case... are you familiar with the Temple of Brazier?" Mev asked.

"The one in the north?" Ian answered.

"Yes,” said Mev.

"I've heard of it. A place for priests who worship Lu Entre and some crazy blacksmiths," said Ian.

Ian had even visited that place in the game but did not bother to mention that. Mev, seeming satisfied with his answer, looked at him earnestly.

"Could you... take Lucia there?" Mev asked.

“...?” Ian's brow furrowed slightly in confusion.

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