Chapter 17

Chapter 17

The atmosphere grew even colder, perhaps because I had brought up the name ‘Behemoth.’

I was certain that if I made even the slightest misstep in my answer here, it would all be over with no chance to recover.

I knew full well that deceiving that monster of a man was harder than tricking the Grim Reaper himself, but what could I do?

The die had already been cast.

Spilled water couldn’t be scooped back up.

Even if it killed me, I had to press forward.

‘Don’t get nervous. Stick to the original story I came up with.’

I began to speak, pressing down non-existent sincerity as if I were recounting something I had truly experienced.

The setup went something like this:

When I stepped into the report room, an unidentified voice echoed in my head. Following where the voice led me, I found an old sword placed there. The sword introduced itself as ‘Behemoth,’ a magical beast from the Mythical Age.

Due to a pact with the First Patriarch, Aslan, it had been sealed within this worn-out sword. Originally, it was meant to become the Guardian Beast of the family and protect it alongside Aslan. However, due to his death, it had remained sealed for a long time without ever being released.

Thus, as a descendant of Aslan’s bloodline, if I were to fulfill the pact in his stead, the sword would become the Guardian Beast of the Winterbell Family, just as promised.

In return, Behemoth would aid me.

“It’s all thanks to Behemoth that I’ve been able to use the Poison King’s alchemy and the Martial King’s martial arts. In myth, the White Beast is said to have a thousand eyes with which it observes, covets, and devours all things in the world. During the long years it was sealed in the sword, it quietly observed the world through its scattered eyes across the land. Because of that, it gained vast knowledge, and with its help, I’ve been able to access the legacies of ancient heroes.”

“……”

Even I, the one saying all this, couldn’t help but tilt my head at how conveniently contrived the whole story was—but my expression remained that of someone more sincere than ever.

They say a truly convincing lie is made of one truth and ninety-nine lies.

I mean, really, who was going to argue if a monster from the Mythical Age claimed to have such powers? No human, who hadn’t even lived a hundred years, could say otherwise. And even if someone objected by saying such a story wasn’t in the myths or recorded in any documents, I could just insist it had been omitted.

What were they going to do when the magical beast that had existed since the Mythical Age said so himself?

Izumi, whose playful demeanor had completely vanished, asked coldly,

“How can you be certain that the monster sealed in that sword is truly the Gluttonous Behemoth? I don’t understand what would make you trust the words of some unknown creature. Isn’t it also possible that it approached you with ulterior motives, trying to deceive you like a demon would?”

It wasn’t me who answered—it was Arkan.

“There is no such possibility. The magical beast sealed within that sword was indeed bound by the First Patriarch.”

“That kid’s words are really true?”

“Yes.”

At Arkan’s single word, Izumi fell silent.

“Behemoth.”

【Speak, descendant of Aslan.】

“None of the former heads of the household, myself included, ever heard your voice upon entering the report room. There’s not a single record of such a thing.”

【Is that so.】

“What is the reason?”

The Patriarch was asking.

Why had it not spoken to him?

It wasn’t a question born from petty jealousy or inferiority, but pure curiosity.

Why had that call been sent to such an insignificant child—one that even he had not received?

He understood better than anyone just how exceptional he himself was.

【You seem to be mistaken. I did not send my voice to only ‘Ran Winterbell’.】

The room stirred.

The reason they were so agitated wasn’t because Behemoth was a mythical beast.

None of the former heads—men evaluated to possess talents equal to even the First Patriarch, Aslan Kaigo—had ever heard Behemoth’s voice.

And yet now, a disgraced scion of the house, one who had been exiled to the annex…

A half-crippled youngest son who had only just completed the succession ceremony…

He alone had answered that call.

Depending on how one interpreted it, it could mean this:

The true heir to Aslan, the First Patriarch of Winterbell and the founder of the northern kingdom…

【Until now, the only one who has ever heard my voice is ‘Ran Winterbell’.】

…was Ran Winterbell himself.

“I see.”

Aslan’s reply was calm, his face as expressionless as ever.

Had he gotten the answer he wanted?

“Ran Winterbell.”

“Yes, Patriarch.”

“Regardless of the reason, this concerns the family. As such, the moment you learned of this, you should have reported it directly to me, the head of the household.”

“…I apologize.”

“Your punishment for this will be determined after all matters related to Ron Winterbell are concluded.”

…So punishment was inevitable after all.

It couldn’t be helped.

Knowing Arkan’s personality, arguing here would only worsen the situation.

“Also, the reward for discovering the First Patriarch’s legacy will be handled in the same manner. Any objections?”

“…None.”

Of course not!

That was just a formal line. In truth, it meant he was going to grant a reward.

There were probably still doubts lingering in the Patriarch’s mind, but the fact that he put it this way meant he was choosing to let it go for now.

“I’ve digressed too long. Let’s move to the main topic. We’ve found traces of the missing Ron Winterbell. It seems he regained his senses along the way and left marks on trees throughout his path. However, the trail cuts off midway through the Bakal Mountains.”

“The Bakal Mountains…”

“The master of the mountain is sealed, so there’s no need to worry about him.”

A perilous mountain range teeming with monstrous-grade magical beasts—a true demonic territory.

‘Why in the world would he go there?’

“If that Dragon of Light wakes up again, just imagining it is a headache. So, who are you going to send, Patriarch? Should I go?”

“Izumi. As I’ve told you countless times, try to maintain appearances. Before you’re my younger sister, you’re the commander of the Black Sword Unit. Are you saying I should send the second-highest ranked person in the household just to look for one missing person?”

“Haha, ‘just one person,’ you say. Still, he’s your blood, right? And one of the candidates for the next Patriarch too. That’s why I said it—because it’s all the more important to handle this kind of matter thoroughly~. Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve been out for a stroll~.”

“No. If you’re so eager to go, then step down from your position as commander.”

“Tch.”

Watching the two interact like that made even Arkan, who usually seemed like someone you couldn’t squeeze a drop of blood from with a needle, feel oddly human.

Izumi Winterbell might be the only person in the household who could treat Arkan so casually.

Just from how Arkan dealt with Izumi, it was obvious how deeply he cared for her.

“Patriarch. I will go.”

“You will?”

“Yes. My younger brother has gone missing—how could I just stand by and do nothing as his older brother?”

As Arkan looked at Lux Winterbell, who was smiling slyly, he nodded. Then his gaze shifted to me.

“Ran Winterbell. You will go as well.”

“…Me too?”

“Did you think I’ve cleared away every suspicion I had about you?”

“……”

“There’s no better way to prove your innocence than this. Prove it by personally bringing your brother back.”

There wasn’t a single wrong word in what he said.

Not that I had any right to refuse anyway.

If I were the one to bring back Ron Winterbell, not only would all suspicion toward me vanish, but I’d also be credited for the achievement. My footing in the family would become that much more solid.

I immediately put on a smile and looked straight at Arkan.

“Although I’m still not in perfect condition, as his younger brother, I’m very concerned about Brother Ron’s safety. I will do my utmost to fulfill this mission, Patriarch.”

For a moment, I thought I saw an expression flicker across the Patriarch’s face that said, ‘What the hell is with this guy…’, but I was probably just imagining it.

“Patriarch. I’d like to go as well.”

“……Me too.”

The ones who spoke next were none other than Lin and Marian.

Watching that, Izumi spoke with a mocking tone.

“What a loving group of siblings.”

Apparently irritated by her comment, Lin shot a glare in Izumi’s direction.

“Oh? So you’re starting to talk back now just because you’ve grown a little? Want me to give you a good exorcism session for old times’ sake?”

“…No.”

Lin instantly backed down, likely reminded of some unpleasant memories.

Just like Izumi had mocked, the word ‘family bond’ was about as contradictory to us siblings as saying the North was peaceful. And yet they were volunteering for this mission…

‘They must be feeling insecure about their positions. Marian is probably joining to support Lin.’

Arkan stood from his seat, looked at his children, and spoke.

“Four direct bloodline members should be more than enough. Lux Winterbell and the other three, prepare quickly and head for the Bakal Mountains.”

“Yes.”

“Lux Winterbell.”

“Yes, Patriarch.”

“Act according to the Winterbell way.”

“Understood.”

.

.

.

After the meeting ended, only Arkan and Izumi remained in the room.

“Brother, are you really okay with just sending those kids? Should I secretly follow them from behind?”

“…Izumi. If you’re that restless, I’ll be your opponent instead.”

“Ehh, that’s not what I meant~. Aren’t you even a little worried? They may have grown up a bit, but you never know what could happen.”

“With Lux among them, it will be fine.”

“Tch. Well, I guess that makes sense. When it comes to swordsmanship, he’s the one who inherited your blood the strongest… Still, I just don’t like it. For someone in this barren northern land to bare their fangs openly at Winterbell—either they’re completely insane or…”

They’ve got serious guts.

She was about to say that, but when she noticed Arkan had already turned his back and was gazing out the window, Izumi realized there was no point in saying it aloud.

‘Same as always… I can never tell what he’s thinking.’

“If they can’t even handle a mission of this level, then that’s as far as they go.”

“You say that, but that’s not how you really feel~. In any case, I’m preparing for the worst. They may be your children, Brother, but they’re also my nieces and nephews.”

“Don’t worry, Izumi. If those children don’t return…”

An old saying that symbolizes the Winterbell family:

Repay kindness twofold, but vengeance lasts forever.

The wolf never forgives an intrusion into its territory.

“In that case, I will step in myself.”

---

Clatter! Clatter!

After a quick round of preparations, we headed straight for the Bakal Mountains.

Our mode of transportation was a carriage.

Drawn by four black horses raised in the harsh conditions of the North, the carriage was as grand and splendid as those used by the leaders of the KOSDAQ Merchant Guild. Its speed far exceeded my expectations.

‘The prestige of a great noble house really is something else. Is this a carriage or a mansion?’

The ride comfort was also exceptional.

“Tch. Why the hell do we have to bring along some guy who can’t even move without that girl? Don’t you think so, Marian?”

“…It was the Patriarch’s command. We have no choice.”

As expected, Lin Winterbell, seated across from me, started picking a fight again.

“Haa… Yeah, a command… A command, sure… But did we really have to bring that one-armed cripple along? Ron Winterbell?”

The insult was direct, but Cecil’s face didn’t show a flicker of reaction.

Well, it’s not like she was in any position to respond anyway.

“You brought at least a guard or two with you as well, didn’t you, Sister? Please consider Cecil my guard in the same way.”

“A guard? Are you seriously calling a one-eyed, one-armed maid your guard? Even a stray mutt on the street would laugh at that.”

“That’s enough. I know you don’t have a good opinion of me, Sister—but that goes both ways, doesn’t it? I still clearly remember the things you said to me when my leg ended up like this.”

“Oh? You must have a good memory~. But too bad for you—your leg ended up that way not because of me or our other siblings, but because of your own actions, isn’t that right? When the rest of us were busting our asses developing resistance to poison, you’re the one who ran away, isn’t that true?”

“Ah… So it wasn’t the person who poisoned me who was in the wrong, but me, for not developing a resistance? That’s the kind of thing someone would say if they were the one who actually poisoned me.”

“……”

“Was it you, Sister? Are you the one who did this to my body?”

“Just because it comes out of your mouth doesn’t mean it’s—”

It was then.

Boom──!

A violent jolt shook the carriage.

Immediately after, Lin Winterbell—who had been speaking with a flushed, furious face—was thrown sideways, her whole body tilting to the side.

I barely had time to register what was happening. My field of vision tilted along with the sudden impact, and the next thing I saw was the ceiling of the carriage.

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