I Alone Regress in a Hero Party That Was Annihilated - Chapter 3

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#3. The Hunting Festival in the Blizzard (1)

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Soleil, the Family Head of House Mörsolt.

He was reviewing the contents of the meeting that had taken place earlier.

“Hah, that boy really.”

No matter how much he thought about it, it was absurd.

‘I don’t need fifty soldiers or three days’ worth of provisions. I’ll go up the mountain alone and cut off all the orcs’ heads.’

What wind had blown through his son, who had been nothing but a burden until now, to make him say such words?

“That boy. Was the sight of this father struggling against mere retainers so unbearable to watch?”

Recalling the heated argument he’d had with Administrator Judas made him sigh involuntarily.

How much must the Family Head’s authority have fallen for his scholarly son, who had been holed up in his room pursuing artistic endeavors, to step forward and make such bold declarations.

‘Still, for something said so boldly, his words were quite reasonable.’

Soleil leaned back against his chair and recalled what his son had said.

‘First, as a test, I’ll try subjugating only the orcs stationed around the First Ridge. While I’m at it, I’ll also assess what form their fortifications take, which should help when devising overall military tactics.’

He must have put considerable thought into making that statement.

Certainly, if one wanted to assess the orcs’ military strength, attacking from the First Ridge would be the most efficient approach.

But Featherback was fundamentally a timid and physically weak boy.

Far from subjugating the orcs around the First Ridge, he had never even seen an orc in person.

No, whether it was Featherback or anyone else, subjugation alone was impossible.

‘The number of orcs discovered in that area exceeds a hundred according to reports alone. It’s a number that would require leading fifty cavalry to subjugate. Even a skilled High Knight would need to send at least a full squad, so how could that boy possibly manage?’

Orc necks were tough, and swords barely penetrated them properly.

So there was no way they could be cut down with brushes used for painting or bows used for playing violin.

But being a father, he couldn’t help but feel proud and pleased that his son was taking his side.

Soleil spoke to the maid beside him.

“Bring Featherback here.”

“Ah, the Young Lord has stepped out for a moment. He said he’d return in about two hours.”

“Out? At this late hour? Where to?”

“He said he was going to the weapon shop.”

“Weapons?”

Soleil’s eyes widened.

Featherback was a boy who constantly whined that he wanted to hold brushes and musical instruments instead of swords.

Why would such a boy suddenly go to a weapon shop?

“Could it be because of his statement during the meeting? That would be more than enough, but his performance today is a bit excessive. Tell him he can stop now.”

“I’ll convey that message.”

“But what did he say he was going to buy?”

“He said he needs a sharp sword.”

“…Hmm.”

Soleil stroked his chin after hearing the maid’s answer.

Though it was probably just childish theatrics from his still young son.

‘Perhaps this might be an opportunity for him to come to his senses and train with the blade. That boy is also of Mörsolt blood, isn’t he?’

Eventually, Soleil picked up one of the many swords hanging on the wall.

A white sword as if covered with snow.

Soleil handed it to the maid.

“I’ll give him one of my treasured pieces, so tell him there’s no need to buy something inferior.”

“Yes.”

The maid received the sword that Soleil handed her.

Soleil chuckled softly.

“That boy wanting to buy a sword instead of art pieces. The sun must be rising from the west.”

“Family Head. Though it may be presumptuous of me to say, the Young Lord burned all his art pieces this morning.”

“What? He burned the art pieces? All those many things? Weren’t those the items that Featherback cherished so dearly? He used to hate it when I even touched them, saying they’d get dirty?”

“While burning the art pieces, he said that from now on, it would only be the sword.”

“Huh—”

Soleil stroked his chin in disbelief after hearing the maid’s answer.

His youngest son, who had shown no interest in swordsmanship until now, had suddenly taken up the sword handle.

Soleil was simply dumbfounded by Featherback’s sudden change.

‘Still, it’s quite a waste. If sold, they would have been quite helpful to our finances.’

At that time, Soleil was only thinking to this extent.

* * *

Meanwhile.

“….”

Featherback was lost in thought in his room.

His father’s sword that the maid had brought.

It was incomparably superior to the swords that could be bought from weapon shops.

The sharp pointed tip between the double-edged blade with its razor-sharp edges.

…Gleam!

The sword blade shining white was cold and piercing, as if carved from a snowball.

What pleased him most of all was.

‘This is a Father-Son Sword.’

Inside this sword’s handle, a small blade shaped like an awl was hidden.

Featherback swung the sword.

It was much lighter than what he used before his regression.

It suited his current frail and small frame quite well.

Swish— Swoosh—

Featherback displayed his swordsmanship.

The very same swordsmanship that had mercilessly cut down the highest-ranking officers of the Demon Army before his regression.

The very same swordsmanship that had shattered Death Knights’ blades, broken Balrogs’ horns, pierced Manticores’ hearts, severed both heads of Twin Head Ogres in a single strike, chopped Hydras into pieces, and even cut through Demogorgon’s soul.

‘…Let alone mere Orcs.’

They would make perfect sacrifices to replace the milky scent from his body with the smell of blood.

Just then.

…Bang!

The door opened without warning.

Featherback turned his head.

A woman’s figure entered his field of vision.

A face that was beautiful but gave off a somewhat cold impression.

Beneath silvery white hair, a black eyepatch covering her right eye was striking.

Cardona.

She was Featherback’s older sister.

Before Featherback’s regression, she had died early in the fierce war against the Demon Army, and they couldn’t even recover her corpse… such was his blood relative.

And now she was alive and well like this.

“You.”

More than just alive, she spoke with a very lively voice.

“You’re under house arrest for the time being.”

“…”

“Don’t even think about leaving the house. Understood?”

An extremely cold voice.

Featherback asked.

“Why?”

“…”

Then Cardona raised her single eye.

“It’s been a while since you asked me something, hasn’t it?”

“…”

That was true.

Before his regression, Featherback had been afraid of his older sister.

His older sister who despised and ignored him.

His older sister who, unlike himself, was acknowledged and respected by everyone.

His older sister was always strong, intelligent, beautiful, and brilliant.

Just standing next to her naturally invited comparisons, making him feel intimidated.

So Featherback had avoided Cardona whenever possible.

Of course, since Cardona had no great expectations for Featherback, she never gave him unreasonable orders.

Her main commands were usually to stay out of sight and hide somewhere quietly.

But now, Featherback had asked Cardona a question.

“Huu—”

Cardona let out a small sigh.

Eventually, she spoke.

“It will get cold soon. You have a weak constitution, so you’ll surely catch a cold. So don’t go wandering around getting hit by cold wind, and stay quietly in your room.”

“…”

Featherback remained silent.

Then Cardona hastily added.

“You seem to be misunderstanding, but I’m not saying this out of concern for you. I’m saying this because the territory’s financial situation is bad, and public order is even worse. We no longer have the money or manpower to summon a doctor from far away. So take good care of your body so no troublesome situations arise. I think you’re old enough now to make such judgments yourself.”

“I understand.”

Featherback nodded his head.

Cardona was silent for a moment.

Then she started to say something, stopped, and sighed.

“You’ve been sick a lot since you were young. Especially when winter comes.”

“…”

“Don’t unnecessarily worry other people. Everyone’s already having a hard time as it is. Especially Father.”

With those words, Cardona turned around.

At that moment.

“Elder Sister.”

Featherback called out to Cardona.

“…?”

Cardona turned her head.

Then she looked at Featherback with a surprised expression.

“Elder Sister? Not Older Sister?”

“Yes, Elder Sister. There’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

“Uh… alright. What is it?”

Cardona asked.

To this, Featherback replied.

“I would like to borrow a shield.”

“A shield?”

“Yes.”

“What do you need a shield for?”

Cardona continued her questioning as if bewildered.

Featherback held up the sword he had received from Soleil.

“Father gave me a wonderful sword as a gift, but I feel something is missing without a matching shield. I thought Elder Sister might have something suitable.”

“If it’s decorative shields you want, there are a few in the warehouse, so take one and use it.”

Featherback slowly shook his head.

“Not such toys, I’d like to have a proper shield. Didn’t you say these are difficult times for everyone? If you lend me one, I’ll at least train in swordsmanship and shield techniques during my house arrest.”

“…With your strength, you wouldn’t even be able to lift a proper shield.”

Cardona clicked her tongue lightly a few times.

And then immediately.

“A shield you can’t even handle, what use is seeking only good ones? So I’ll send something suitable for training through a servant. Stay quietly in your room. I’m only lending it to you, so absolutely don’t handle it carelessly.”

With those words, she left the room.

* * *

Soon, the shield that Cardona had sent arrived to Featherback.

Featherback ran his hand over the shield.

A white shield as if covered with snow.

Made from White Iron that only comes from the Northern Region, it was heavy, solid, and cold.

‘Indeed, the best one came.’

According to Featherback’s memory, Cardona’s hobby was collecting weapons.

Her collection items were far more magnificent than anything that could be obtained from ordinary weapon shops or the mansion’s armory.

And despite grumbling, Cardona had actually sent a top-grade shield.

‘Sword and shield. The preparations are complete.’

Armor or military boots would be nice to have, but they weren’t necessary right now.

Since his body was still small and not fully grown, the sizes would change anyway.

Featherback put on several layers of leather clothing and fur clothing.

Then he strapped the sword and shield to his back and headed toward the window.

…Thud! …Thud! …Thud!

If the mansion’s servants saw this scene of a pampered young master from a noble house, who had never properly exercised once, climbing down the wall with such skill, they would all faint.

But now it was late at night.

Moreover, with the insane blizzard falling, there wasn’t a soul passing by.

Crunch— Crunch— Crunch— Crunch—

Featherback walked toward the snowy darkness.

“…I hope there are as many Orcs as possible.”

Toward the Snow-Covered Mountain Peak of the North.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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