They Say an Age Gap Like This Doesn’t Even Need Matching - Chapter 115

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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They say an age gap of nnn years doesn’t even warrant checking compatibility.
Chapter 115
As Raern and I both let killing intent seep from our bodies, Elhart shifted his position to block my view.
“Darling, move aside.”
I spoke with a laugh, and Elhart lowered his voice in response.
“If we kill him, we’ll only have to repeat the same process.”
“….”
“Wouldn’t it be tedious to deal with them one by one?”
Raern and I quickly composed ourselves.
Efficiency was paramount, after all.
Broden shuffled forward, oblivious to how close he’d come to death mere moments ago.
“Please follow me. I’ll show you to the waiting area.”
As I followed Broden, I surveyed my surroundings.
The Border Forces bore little resemblance to what a military unit with proper discipline should look like.
The soldiers’ faces reflected resignation and lethargy.
The Imperial Army hadn’t created this state.
During Elhart’s command of the Border Forces, Bardia had never tasted defeat in war.
Since his surrender as a hostage, there had been nothing but an armistice.
‘In fact, the Empire even withdrew its forces on Kailyb’s orders—orders he gave after falling for my manipulation.’
So it wasn’t the Imperial Army that had dealt these soldiers defeat, but their own rotting officers.
The military leadership, so eager to curry favor with the Empire, had subjected them to humiliation.
What must have stirred in the soldiers’ hearts as they retreated the front lines again and again without ever engaging in battle?
They had come here with a single resolve—to protect their nation while leaving their families and homeland behind.
I glanced sideways at Elhart walking beside me.
The hearts of Elhart, who had effectively led the Border Forces, and the Border Count must be indescribably devastated.
Yet both of them suppressed their emotions without showing it—a remarkable feat.
“This should suffice. It happens to be vacant.”
Broden, who had been walking ahead, stopped before a shabby barracks at the edge of the military camp and spoke.
As he pulled back the canvas flap at the entrance and turned to face us, a contemptible smile spread across his face.
The reason became apparent immediately.
The barracks, left uncleaned and filthy beyond measure, reeked of mold and dust.
It seemed to have originally been used for storing supplies; the space was littered with empty boxes in disarray, and there wasn’t a single proper chair.
“You’re telling us to wait in a place like this?”
“If you expect better treatment, you’re welcome to leave. This is a military camp, not a playground for distinguished guests.”
Watching that chubby, snickering face, my lips twisted again.
“His name is Broden, right? I should remember that well.”
Raern tilted his head toward me and spoke.
“I’m curious what he’ll squawk about when I fry him until he’s charred.”
The Destroyer King had marked his target.
I felt no regret about it.
“Did you just say that to me?”
Broden flinched and asked, but Raern ignored him entirely, shoving him aside as he stepped inside.
“A wild boar spouting words. What a world we live in.”
He didn’t forget to add one more jab as he passed.
‘A wild boar? He’s not wrong, is he?’
I pressed my lips together, stifling a laugh.
“…I must verify the authenticity, so please hand over the documents.”
Broden’s expression twisted with displeasure as he extended his hand.
“We’ll need to process this as quickly as possible.”
Elhart passed him the documents bearing the King of Bardia’s seal.
“Yes, well. I trust you’ll keep quiet and behave yourselves.”
Broden snatched the documents and departed the barracks, leaving only dust and us behind.
Watching the Border Count’s hunched shoulders as he sighed under the weight of his troubles, my chest ached.
“Raern.”
“Yeah.”
At my call, Raern nodded and snapped his fingers, whereupon a formidable mana barrier enveloped the barracks in layers.
It was magic that perfectly separated the interior from the exterior—not only blocking sound but also concealing mana without a trace.
‘It doesn’t seem like there are any high-level mages in this place….’
But caution never hurt.
“Well then, shall we get to work?”
With the preparations complete, Raern began casting magic freely.
Wind swept away the dust, and the stale air became crisp and clean.
The scattered debris and clutter were gathered into one spot and incinerated.
“Remarkable.”
The Border Count’s eyes widened in admiration.
“I didn’t become the Magic Unit commander of the Expedition Team for nothing. My specialty is burning things to ash.”
“Ah, I see.”
Before long, the barracks became perfectly comfortable.
Beds, chairs, tables, and other furnishings were arranged in the expanded space, and soft carpets covered the floor.
Finally, an alarm spell was installed to guard against intruders.
“Raern, memorize the coordinates of this place too. We’re heading straight to Croitz Castle.”
“Got it.”
From his demeanor, it was clear we wouldn’t get an answer from the King of Bardia today, royal command or not.
In that case, it would be better to have the Border Count wait for a response while we moved separately.
“Are you certain? There’s a possibility we might encounter the Imperial Army.”
At the Border Count’s concerned words, Elhart shrugged.
“Then they’d just be unlucky. Don’t worry—you should rest here sufficiently.”
“Mm… yes, that makes sense.”
The Border Count nodded.
“Understood. Safe travels.”
Raern, Elhart, and I left the barracks, leaving the Border Count behind.
We wore magical artifacts that obscured our presence, and even that was enough to ensure no one paid us particular attention.
‘I thought they’d at least assign someone to watch us.’
It became clear we were beneath their notice entirely.
Moreover…
‘They deliberately assigned us barracks on the outer perimeter.’
In terms of location, it was the closest position to the Imperial forces.
Perhaps they intended to claim we were killed in combat with the Empire after assassinating Count Loenval.
If anything, we should be grateful.
We were able to slip out of the military camp and head toward Croitz Castle with remarkable ease.
The silhouette of the dark fortress appeared in the distance.
Fortress Croitz.
Three hundred years ago, the current Cradian territory had long been tainted by magic, and purification efforts were underway.
Near the border, untamed magical beasts roamed in packs that hadn’t yet been subjugated, and Croitz Castle was a strategic stronghold built to protect people from those creatures.
“Oh…! It still seems to be in decent condition? The maintenance is quite….”
As we drew closer, Raern pointed toward the castle with a pleased expression, but his words trailed off.
“…not been done.”
“More precisely, it couldn’t have been.”
I sighed and patted Raern’s back reassuringly.
Maintaining a fortress built three hundred years ago required mages as a fundamental necessity.
“I never imagined mages would become this scarce.”
“Tell me about it.”
This was all Kailyb’s doing—I shouldn’t blame myself for it.
Apart from the magical infrastructure, the castle’s exterior showed signs of consistent maintenance.
It appeared repairs had been carried out regularly.
But then…
“Why is the city gate open?”
Elhart murmured softly as he examined the castle closely.
“What? Really?”
Raern and I started in alarm and looked toward the gate.
“…It looks destroyed.”
The thick iron plate lying on the ground appeared to be what the gate had once been.
“The wooden palisade is broken too.”
Fragments of wood lay scattered chaotically near the castle wall.
Elhart and I exchanged a quick glance before breaking into a rapid sprint.
“Raern, come slowly.”
“No! I’m coming with you!”
Raern, who had layered magic upon his own body, quickly caught up with us.
“Let’s climb the castle wall.”
We scaled the towering wall in one swift motion, and as our field of vision expanded, the situation became immediately apparent.
About a dozen people were engaged in combat before the City Gate.
‘Though calling it combat might be generous.’
Tattered leather armor, unremarkable weapons, bodies covered in wounds.
One side resembled a militia far more than regular soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Imperial Army forces pushing through to enter the Castle were clad in perfect armor and weaponry.
And moreover.
“Stand aside.”
There was even an Unnamed Enemy Knight wielding an aura-infused blade.

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