Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Chapter 34: The Warrior and the North (2)

With Helik’s guidance, I found a place to stay. It wasn’t bad at all. Usually, the inns that mercenaries stayed in were cheap, and so the quality of food was often terrible.

But the place Helik recommended wasn’t like that. The quality was good, and it even tasted great. There was a reason he had brought me here so confidently.

“How is it? Does it suit your taste?”

Helik asked, looking as though he was certain I would be pleased.

And in truth, I was. As I ate, Kazan—who had been sitting beside me—responded,

“Haha! It’s one of the prides of Withers’ Territory!”

“By the way, Helik, there’s something I’d like to ask you.”

“Most who come to Withers’ Territory have their reasons. Go ahead and speak.”

“I’ve heard a rumor that a dragon lives in these lands. If you know anything, I’d appreciate it if you could share some information.”

It was a direct question. Leon, who had been eating his soup, paused and looked up at Helik to gauge his reaction.

Helik blinked a few times, dumbfounded. It was only natural—after all, they were talking about a dragon. It was a ridiculous claim.

“Hmm… judging by your expression, there seems to be a story behind that.”

Helik finally replied, his face turning serious. His arms crossed, brows furrowed. Did he know something?

“To be honest, it’s such a far-fetched tale. Normally, I would’ve brushed it off. But I can’t turn a cold shoulder to someone who helped me when I was in need.”

“Even a small piece of information will do. Please, tell me what you know.”

At my earnest tone, Helik exhaled deeply.

“Hmm… first off, there aren’t many dragons left on this continent. You already knew that, I assume?”

“It’s been ages since they last showed themselves to humankind. My grandfather’s grandfather likely never saw one either. Still, there’s an old legend passed down through generations. It’s a story I heard from my grandfather.”

“They say there was once a dragon known as the Lord of the North. With a single flap of its wings, it could summon blizzards, and with a single step, cause avalanches. My grandfather always told me—no matter what happens, never anger the Lord of the North. If that dragon were to become enraged, the entire North would freeze solid, turning into a land where no human could live.”

Helik turned his gaze toward the window.

“Kazan, hearing your story reminds me of something. It’s summer now, isn’t it? Even in these cold lands, the season should be milder. But as time passes, the cold in the North has been growing harsher and harsher.”

“You’re saying the Lord of the North has become angry?”

“Of course, I don’t actually believe in dragons. But since you mentioned one, I couldn’t help but think… what if this unprecedented cold in the North is because the dragon is enraged? Anyway, that’s all I know. I’d help more if I could.”

“That’s enough. Thank you for telling me.”

“There might be others who know more about dragons than I do. I’ll spread the word around, so you should ask around as well.”

Helik wasn’t like I’d first thought. I’d assumed he was the sort of man who’d do anything if provoked. But I was wrong. Helik was just a simple, good-natured man—someone with a warm heart who believed in repaying kindness.

After finishing our meal, Kazan stepped outside to get some fresh air. Leon followed after him.

“Captain,” Leon called.

“You didn’t know the dragon’s location, did you?”

“I told you, time is short. Of course, I came here to gather information.”

“You really came without any plan, then.”

“I won’t deny it. But there is a dragon in the North. That much I’m certain of. Once I can estimate its location, the rest will follow quickly.”

“So for now, we’ll have to focus on gathering information.”

It was a reckless plan. Dragons were transcendent beings. If one wished to remain hidden, no human power could find it.

Still, a promise is a promise.

Leon sighed and nodded.

For the next several days, Leon searched for information alongside Ryan. They didn’t overlook even the smallest detail related to dragons.

And Leon hadn’t found a single lead. Follow current novels on novel★fire.net

“How long are we going to keep doing this?”

Ryan grumbled, scratching his head roughly as if in frustration.

“It’s been a week already. The only thing we’ve learned is how amazing dragons are supposed to be. Are we sure there even is a dragon here?”

Leon silently agreed. Even Kazan and Retina, who had gone off to search on their own, hadn’t reported back. Was there truly a dragon in the North?

“It’s been a while, Sir Leon.”

Someone called out to him. Leon turned around, his expression startled.

“I’m honored you still remember me.”

The one who had spoken was none other than Kael—the loyal aide to Count Reinhardt of Withers’ Territory. A man known as the right hand of the lord himself.

“It’s been a while, Sir Leon. And the person beside you—are they your companion?”

Kael looked toward Ryan as he spoke. But Leon couldn’t immediately reply, because in Kael’s eyes—he saw something unmistakable.

What’s going on here?

Meeting Kael itself wasn’t strange. He was practically in charge of all administration in Withers’ Territory. Which meant—if he had wanted to meet Leon, this encounter could have happened at any time.

The problem was his wariness.

Ryan was Leon’s companion. There was no way Kael didn’t know that.

And yet, he was still on guard against Ryan.

Could it be that Ryan had caused some sort of trouble?

Perhaps his silence had lasted too long. Kael urged him for an answer. He wasn’t the type of person to be impatient, though.

“Yes. This is my companion, Ryan. What seems to be the matter?”

“Well, it’s nothing serious… The Northern Frontier Count wishes to see you. Would you be able to spare a moment?”

“Lord Kazan and Lady Retina are also waiting.”

“Please, come with me.”

His tone was rather firm. Kael was one of the few who knew that Leon was Zeke’s son. He used to get nervous just standing before him. For him to come out this strongly—there had to be a reason.

Leon glanced at Ryan, wordlessly warning him not to act out. Ryan, sensing the tension as well, stayed quiet and observed.

“I understand. I suppose the Northern Frontier Count will explain the situation himself.”

Kael’s expression brightened immediately. Was he truly that glad to have his request granted? His lips twitched with excitement.

“I’ll escort you properly. Please, board the carriage.”

Following Kael’s lead, Leon climbed aboard. Ryan followed after him.

And so, Leon headed toward the mansion of Count Reinhardt Withers.

The Withers estate was just as before.

Soldiers enduring harsh training. Administrative officers working tirelessly for the sake of the territory. It was still as busy as ever.

Leon passed through familiar sights and faces.

“Oh! Isn’t that Leon?”

From afar, Jaelidov waved energetically.

“My friend has returned to the North!”

Jaelidov was smiling brightly. The way he strode over, it was almost like a friendly beast approaching someone it liked.

“Have you been well?”

“Thanks to you! And you… you look stronger than before!”

Jaelidov’s sharp gaze instantly saw through Leon’s physique. As expected of the heir to Withers—his perception was extraordinary.

“Haha! It’s really good to see you—”

Kael interrupted him right then.

“My apologies, but the Northern Frontier Count is calling for Sir Leon. We must hurry. You should return to the training grounds, Young Master.”

Jaelidov tilted his head but didn’t ask further. Kael’s face was grim, after all. He wasn’t completely oblivious, so he nodded and stepped aside.

Thus, Leon arrived at Reinhardt’s office.

“You’re here. Have you been well?”

Reinhardt greeted him. Leon was about to answer naturally when—

A faint sensation brushed against his nerves.

His finely tuned senses were warning him—this place was dangerous. Strange. Reinhardt was a knight, a superhuman capable of cutting down even Demon Beasts. There shouldn’t be any danger here.

And then Leon realized. The threat came from none other than Reinhardt himself.

Reinhardt’s voice was low. His cool, sunken eyes gleamed sharply. The chill in his gaze told Leon how grave the situation was.

“You’re my friend’s son, so I’ll ask kindly. What business do you have with the Dragon?”

“...Before that, I’d like to know if my companions are safe.”

“They are my friend’s son’s companions. Naturally, they’re unharmed. But I’d appreciate it if you answered my question first.”

His tone was gentle—yet his voice was cold.

A chilling weight pressed behind every word, as though he might strike the moment Leon refused to answer.

Leon was too unnerved to speak. He merely nodded in response.

Reinhardt spoke again.

“First, what business do you have with the Dragon?”

“Didn’t you hear it from my companions?”

“Leon, I am asking you. I’ll ask again.”

A terrifying aura erupted from Reinhardt’s entire body.

It was overwhelming—enough to make one faint just by standing nearby.

Ryan was already on his knees, unable to endure it. His ragged breathing grew harsher by the second. At this rate, he would lose consciousness for sure.

Even so, Leon couldn’t answer.

He had never seen Reinhardt so furious. His body froze on instinct.

‘No… before that, why is Reinhardt angry with me in the first place?’

The only thing he had done in Withers territory was gather information about the Dragon. Could that alone have been wrong?

Leon exhaled deeply. He had too many thoughts clouding his mind. Now wasn’t the time for that. He had to stay calm.

“I came to obtain the Dragon’s Blood.”

“...Is that truly all?”

“That’s what I was told.”

Reinhardt let out a low murmur, his face sinking into a somber expression.

Was there something wrong with his answer? Leon watched carefully before asking.

“May I ask why you’re questioning me about this?”

“...Yes. You have the right to know. But your companion does not. Send him out first, and I’ll explain everything.”

Leon hesitated. Then Reinhardt’s aura grew even heavier.

The presence of a knight who had survived countless battlefields— No mere swordsman could withstand it.

“...Ryan, could you step outside for a bit?”

“I’ve got a mountain of questions to ask…” Ryan said, panting. His puzzled eyes met Leon’s.

“...Now’s not the time. I’ll explain later.”

And so, only Leon and Reinhardt remained inside the office.