I Alone Regress in a Hero Party That Was Annihilated - Chapter 52

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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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#52. Reward Acquisition (2)

 

— — —

 

Featherback interrupted Soleil’s words.

 

“I apologize for interrupting, but the expedition was successful.”

 

“Yes, this father is fine with whatever… what?”

 

Soleil’s expression instantly turned blank.

 

“What did you say was successful?”

 

“The expedition, sir. I completed it properly. I identified and subjugated the harmful beast that had turned the Beauvoir Mines into a Human Survival Impossible Zone. Ice Dragon Adara.”

 

At those words, the eyes of everyone including Soleil, Cardona, and Rorschach widened in shock.

 

But that wasn’t all.

 

“And in the process, I discovered new veins. The Beauvoir Mines and the surrounding region are rich in gold and mithril. We must quickly send miners to begin mining.”

 

“W-wait. There’s too much shocking news. What, what did you say? The harmful beast’s identity was an ice dragon, and you subjugated that ice dragon to reclaim the mining region? And the area you reclaimed yields gold and mithril?”

 

“That’s correct. While we were at it, on the way back I subjugated monsters of the snow-man species including Yate and Sasquatch, and the knights and soldiers who were in the border region distinguished themselves, so I promoted them. I request formal processing of these matters.”

 

“I can’t believe it. No, I’m not doubting your words, but how on earth did you manage alone…”

 

Soleil’s reaction was natural.

 

Killing an ice dragon and reclaiming the snow mountain it had dominated, opening a new mine and discovering massive amounts of gold and mithril within it—none of these were easy tasks.

 

How could a fifteen-year-old boy accomplish alone what would be difficult even with hundreds of knights and soldiers?

 

“I didn’t do it alone. I mobilized about a hundred prisoners.”

 

“What happened to the prisoners?”

 

“Unfortunately, they all died. Except for one.”

 

Featherback glanced at Sancho being carried on a stretcher to the medical room.

 

The cause was exhaustion, frostbite, and illness.

 

There were also minor bruises from being beaten a few times.

 

“He’s the one who didn’t join the rebellion and stayed under me until the end. Since I’ve already recovered all the embezzled funds he had hidden, and he’s received a fair amount of hard labor and punishment, I think he could be pardoned now.”

 

“Let it be so.”

 

With Soleil’s bewildered nod, Sancho’s official pardon was decided.

 

Thus, among the prisoners who had departed for Meursault Mountain, Sancho became the only one to receive a pardon as originally promised.

 

Soleil grasped Featherback’s shoulder.

 

“I’d like to hear your story in more detail. Let’s go inside.”

 

“Yes.”

 

After answering, Featherback looked to the side.

 

Cardona and Rorschach stood there.

 

Both had expressions suggesting they had a great deal to say.

 

* * *

 

A grand party was held that very day.

 

It was a celebration commemorating the safe return of Featherback, the second son of the Mörsolt Family, after successfully completing the subjugation of a region where human survival was impossible.

 

What was originally planned to be a modest family gathering had swelled to hundreds of times its intended size due to rumors of ‘the reopening of the Beauvoir Mines’ and ‘the discovery of new gold and mithril veins.’

 

The nearby gentlemen and noble ladies, already desperate to bring Featherback into their families as a son-in-law, had dressed up in their finest and flocked to the Mörsolt Family mansion.

 

“My daughter wants to ask Prince Featherback for a dance!”

 

“Say that after you take a number! My child has been waiting for six months!”

 

“Heh heh heh— I came to present Prince Featherback with a gift to commemorate his safe return. It’s a portrait of Prince Featherback that my daughter painted herself. Since the Prince has an eye for art, I’m sure he’ll love it.”

 

“Everyone move aside! I brought art pieces as gifts, the kind Prince Featherback is so fond of! It’s a sculpture that was actually displayed in the central Imperial Palace!”

 

“Oh my, when did our future son-in-law stop that art hobby of his? You know nothing. My daughter and I brought gems for Prince Featherback to decorate his sword hilt with. By the way, the thread connecting the gems to the hilt is made from my daughter’s hair, which is a beautiful northern tradition for praying for safe return from the battlefield…”

 

The battle of wills among the adults wanting to welcome Featherback as their son-in-law was in full swing.

 

Meanwhile, the young noble ladies who had flocked to the banquet hall were craning their necks, hoping to catch even a glimpse of Featherback’s beautiful appearance.

 

“They say Lord Featherback is that handsome?”

 

“I heard he’s more beautiful than a woman.”

 

“No wonder his nickname includes the name of a flower like lily.”

 

“I’ve seen him from a distance before, and it was truly shocking. My heart nearly stopped.”

 

Surprisingly, Featherback’s popularity was also tremendous among young noble men, which began after rumors spread that he had single-handedly subjugated ‘Ice Dragon Adara.’

 

“Did he really slay a dragon by himself?”

 

“If he’s that strong a man, he’d be worth serving as an older brother.”

 

“I’m still skeptical. How could a human kill a dragon alone?”

 

“We’d know if we had a bout with him. You can get a sense of what kind of person someone is when you cross swords.”

 

Thus, the name Featherback was becoming the fuel that heated up the banquet hall.

 

Just then.

 

“Oh! There, he’s coming!”

 

“Where! Where! Where! Where!”

 

“Aah, don’t push! I’m going to fall!”

 

At the news of Featherback’s appearance, everyone’s gaze converged on one spot—toward the banquet hall’s entrance.

 

Soon, a young man entered the banquet hall.

 

Hair white as a snowy field, eyes red as rubies, a straight nose and slender face, sharp jawline.

 

His face alone could have belonged to a beautiful girl, but his shoulders, back, and waist were unmistakably those of a northern warrior.

 

When Featherback, having returned from his expedition, revealed himself in the banquet hall, several girls suffered mild dizzy spells and collapsed.

 

“That dizzying appearance and that fierce wild beauty… this can’t be captured on canvas…”

 

“He seems to have grown even more handsome while we haven’t seen him. He wasn’t quite this stunning when I saw him before.”

 

“I heard that maids wanting to work at Mörsolt Castle have been increasing explosively lately, and now I see why.”

 

“Our maid suddenly said she wanted to quit and went to Mörsolt Castle. Even though the pay is lower. But now I understand. I should do the same.”

 

Having washed thoroughly and dressed well after so long, Featherback’s appearance shone even brighter.

 

If before setting out on the expedition he had the pure and clear beauty characteristic of a fifteen-year-old boy, now that he had returned from the expedition, decadent beauty and wild charm poured out in a chaotic mix.

 

Because of this, not only noble ladies his age but even older noble ladies couldn’t easily approach him.

 

They could only yearn from afar and fidget restlessly.

 

…Just then.

 

“Are you Prince Featherback?”

 

There was someone who greeted Featherback as he entered the banquet hall.

 

He was a young man who appeared to be three or four years older than Featherback.

 

“My name is Envis. I am the eldest son of the Jill Family.”

 

He was leading a group of young masters.

 

At a glance, he appears to be a person with strong power and leadership.

 

Featherback asked in a leisurely tone.

 

“What’s the matter?”

 

“Ah, yes. It’s nothing major, but I wanted to confirm the truth of a certain rumor.”

 

Envis asked after clearing his throat.

 

“Is it true that you slayed a dragon on this expedition?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

“…!”

 

An answer that came too easily.

 

Envis’s mouth fell slightly open at Featherback’s response.

 

He continued with another question.

 

“Is it possible for a human body to slay a dragon? And alone at that?”

 

“It was possible, wasn’t it?”

 

“….”

 

At his tone as if he had just returned from a stroll, Envis and the other Young Masters whispered among themselves.

 

“He’s incredibly confident, isn’t he?”

 

“Come on, it’s probably exaggerated a bit though.”

 

Eventually, Envis spoke.

 

“I apologize for the rudeness. It’s just that it’s rather hard to believe that a human could slay a dragon…”

 

“If it’s hard to believe, you don’t have to believe it.”

 

Featherback answered nonchalantly this time as well.

 

A faint vein appeared on Envis’s forehead.

 

“As I’ve heard, Young Lord doesn’t concern himself with worldly rumors.”

 

“Just because people don’t believe it doesn’t mean the Dragon Head I cut off will reattach itself.”

 

“Those words… do they mean it’s true that Young Lord severed the dragon’s neck?”

 

“That’s what I said, isn’t it? What answer do you want to hear?”

 

When Featherback asked, Envis quickly bowed his head.

 

“It’s nothing major, but there are many who doubt the rumor that Young Lord slayed a dragon. Ah, of course I don’t mean that I’m one of them.”

 

“Didn’t I say it doesn’t matter whether you believe it or not?”

 

“Still, if there are too many doubting eyes, it won’t be good for Young Lord, will it? How about this? Why don’t you take this opportunity to prove before these Petty People that it’s true you slayed a dragon? Foolish people can only understand through such demonstrations.”

 

Featherback understood what Envis was getting at.

 

They were trying to test Featherback’s strength through sparring.

 

‘Not bad. To recruit vigorous soldiers, I need to heat up the lukewarm blood of these young ones.’

 

Featherback readily nodded his head.

 

“If there’s anyone who wants to test my skills, step forward. I’ll give you a lesson.”

 

“Then I’ll be the first to receive your teachings.”

 

Envis stepped forward as if he had been waiting for this moment.

 

At those words, the people gathered in the banquet hall began to sparkle with excitement.

 

“Are we finally going to see our prospective son-in-law’s skills?”

 

“But that friend Envis is no ordinary person either. He’s a talent who received a scout offer from the Central Imperial Knights.”

 

“Envis is practically the leader of all the young men in this area. His family house may not compare to Mörsolt, but his personal skills and abilities are outstanding.”

 

“Envis fought a bear with his bare hands when he was ten and won. I can’t imagine that guy losing.”

 

“I think Young Master Featherback and Envis are almost equal, or Envis might have a slight advantage.”

 

Amid the chatter of the gossip enthusiasts who loved to talk, Featherback and Envis faced each other.

 

Featherback held an unsharpened decorative rapier, while Envis also held an unsharpened practice sword.

 

Envis asked.

 

“…Should we begin?”

 

“Anytime.”

 

Featherback shrugged his shoulders.

 

The ballroom duel, which could be called the flower of the social circle, had begun.

 

* * *

 

Envis.

 

He harbored doubts about Featherback’s abilities.

 

‘The rumor about slaying a dragon probably isn’t completely false, but… it’s likely greatly exaggerated.’

 

He might have killed a very small baby dragon, or perhaps a dragon that was too old and dying.

 

Or he might have struck the back of a dragon’s head while it was dying from fighting other monsters.

 

‘Maybe the prisoners he brought along did all the fighting and the young master only delivered the final blow?’

 

Even while having these various thoughts, his sword tip moved frantically.

 

Envis moved his sword this way and that, measuring the distance between himself and Featherback.

 

But Featherback stood still as if bored, not making any movements at all.

 

Envis bit his lip.

 

‘That arrogance won’t last long.’

 

Featherback, the mysterious figure who had been heating up the social circle.

 

As the leader-like existence of all the noble young men in this area, Envis had been closely watching such rumors.

 

‘Today I’ll thoroughly verify him.’

 

Envis raised his sword.

 

“I’ll move after counting to three.”

 

“Just come at me right away.”

 

“…”

 

Hearing Featherback’s response, Envis bit his lip.

 

“Then I won’t refuse!”

 

Envis’s sword moves in a brilliant trajectory.

 

Thwack!

 

Surprisingly, it pierced straight into Featherback’s chest without meeting any resistance.

 

“Huh!?”

 

Envis was so shocked his heart felt like it might jump out of his throat.

 

The strike he had thrown out just to test lightly had hit his opponent’s bare body precisely.

 

And right in the solar plexus, the most vital of vital points.

 

Even if it was a practice sword, it only lacked a sharp edge—it was no different from an iron club.

 

To swing it with full force and seriously injure someone who was practically the master of the banquet hall—this was big trouble.

 

‘Why! Why didn’t you defend!’

 

Envis unconsciously made a tearful expression.

 

It wasn’t enough that he had engaged in swordplay at someone else’s banquet, but now he had crippled his opponent—this was no ordinary big trouble.

 

…However.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“…!”

 

His darkened vision brightened again.

 

In front of Envis stood Featherback.

 

Surprisingly, Featherback showed no signs of distress despite being stabbed by the practice sword Envis had thrust with full force.

 

Soon.

 

…Grip!

 

Featherback reached out and grabbed Envis’s blade.

 

‘!?’

 

Envis was startled and tried to pull his sword back.

 

Grrrrrr—

 

The sword remained caught in Featherback’s bare hand, not budging an inch.

 

‘Th-this is what? That’s impossible! What kind of grip strength is this…’

 

While Envis couldn’t accept reality.

 

“Your posture is a mess,”

 

A cold voice flowed from Featherback’s mouth.

 

Soon.

 

…Thwack!

 

The blunt rapier Featherback swung struck Envis on the crown of his head.

 

“Gak!?”

 

Stars sparkled before Envis’s eyes.

 

But he didn’t even have the leisure to let out a scream.

 

…Thwack! …Thwack! …Thwack! …Thwack! …Thwack! …Thwack! …Thwack! …Thwack!

 

Because Featherback’s blade struck Envis’s neck, shoulders, chest, sides, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles in rapid succession.

 

“…! …! …!”

 

Speed too fast for the eyes to follow.

 

Tremendous force transmitted with each strike.

 

Envis almost unconsciously dropped his sword and covered his head with both hands.

 

However, Featherback’s words that followed snapped Envis’s mind back to attention.

 

“Grip the very top of the sword handle tightly. Keep the sword tip as far from your body as possible. Hold it short and thrust it long. When dodging, melt into the shadows, and when attacking, move as if tearing shadows away. Advance sharply and retreat swiftly, be like a mountain when still and like thunder when moving.”

 

Perhaps because he was being beaten in the midst of it?

 

Featherback’s voice penetrated deep into Envis’s heart.

 

Like how seasoning soaks better into meat that has been tenderized by pounding.

 

Envis unconsciously moved his body according to Featherback’s advice.

 

Then he became able to block some of the falling strikes.

 

‘It works! It, it works! It really works!’

 

Envis’s moment of joy was brief.

 

Thwack!

 

Featherback shattered Envis’s defense just by changing his stance slightly.

 

“Attacking with the sword and defending with the sword are not separate things. Attack becomes defense, and defense becomes attack. Every movement of the sword must have intention, and the moment you move even slightly in vain or without purpose becomes an opening.”

 

Featherback’s voice continued.

 

Envis followed Featherback’s advice as if entranced.

 

His sword seemed to sway left and right fluidly, then actually launched a counterattack against Featherback.

 

At that moment.

 

Thud!

 

Featherback’s kick swept across Envis’s side.

 

“Urgh!?”

 

Envis unconsciously lost his grip on his blade and rolled across the floor.

 

“….”

 

“….”

 

All the young men watching this could only gape in shock.

 

Envis, the strongest among the young men in this area and who had even received a scouting offer from the Imperial Knights.

 

He wasn’t even worthy of crossing blades with Featherback once.

 

In reality, excluding the hour Featherback spent giving instruction, Envis hadn’t lasted even a single second.

 

Eventually, Featherback set his rapier down on the table.

 

“Also, if anyone is curious about the movements I used to slay the dragon in the Northern Region, come forward. I’ll show you directly.”

 

“….”

 

No one came forward.

 

As the banquet hall was becoming immersed in silence and stillness.

 

“Prince Featherback!”

 

Envis, who had been lying collapsed, suddenly sprang up.

 

He knelt on one knee on the floor with his large frame.

 

“I am grateful for your teachings!”

 

Perhaps he had gained quite an important deep understanding, as there was no trace of humiliation visible in his expression.

 

No, rather, he was filled only with joy at having obtained the martial principles he couldn’t grasp no matter how much he pondered and pondered again for months.

 

Featherback waved his hand dismissively as if it was nothing.

 

“It’s nothing special.”

 

“….”

 

Watching Featherback who didn’t even show the slightest hint of self-importance, Envis’s mouth fell half open.

 

‘He’s great.’

 

Although he was younger than himself, that wasn’t what mattered.

 

That man before his eyes was like a massive mountain.

 

Envis realized.

 

The rumors in the social circle were indeed not true.

 

‘Those rumors were far too underestimated. This person is even greater.’

 

Envis bowed his head to Featherback once more.

 

The other young men who had been following him all did the same.

 

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap—

 

The audience gave generous applause to the two young men who had heated up the atmosphere of the banquet hall.

 

“As expected! As expected of Lord Featherback!”

 

“He’s so cool. I’m really going to fall completely for him.”

 

“I’m going to marry that man by any means necessary. Just watch.”

 

The gazes of the noble ladies of marriageable age were becoming much more heated than before.

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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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