Chapter 42

—

The freezing rain and snowstorm, which had been pouring nonstop, came to an end and sunny weather continued for days.

But, it was strange.

It was too early for snow and too late to see the sun.

Even if the dragon’s powers had some impact on their side, it was only in the middle of summer when one could see the sunshine in Elendale.

“In times of fear and confusion, the warriors should remain more cool and calm. More attention should be paid for a while, but dragons, like other monsters, were beings that were only present in gladiatorial matches nearly 20 years ago. Although the ice dragon is a species that cannot be compared to other dragons, it is not invincible, and I believe that there will be no needless fear and lack in discipline, which are just signs of immaturity. Since its foundation, the Longinus Knights have brought countless men and women to peace and development in the North.….”

The meeting ended with a sermon by the commander of the Knights, who was known for the legend of beating two adult fire dragons with his childhood friends.

Roughly summing up, the most troublesome dragon had appeared. This was a rambling session to say that nothing changed.

As soon as the words fell, the Paladins, who were holding back their sleepiness, left one by one.

In that way, only six Paladins remained in their seats until it became empty.

These were the few elites who entered the border of the frost forest that day. No matter how little they were in number, it was a small joy of daily life to secretly cause trouble behind their strict leader. Even more so if it was something that other colleagues had always thought they couldn’t do. Plus, it was even more thrilling to keep the temple and the royal family’s secrets.

But this one was a little different than usual.

They also found it difficult to clearly conclude what they saw that day, but they were aware that it would turn into an international dispute. The appearance of the ice dragon, whose existence had long been unknown as to whether he was completely extinct or not, was not a shocking event.

It was a possibility that a northerner always had in mind.

Dragons were also monsters. Like other monsters, even if they were Satan’s servants, as they’re harmful to humans, they could be killed and destroyed by divinity. No other country has ever seen a record that a beast has mingled or communicated with humans, as wild beasts might have known.

However, one of the people at the highest peak of divinity, the Pope’s daughter, survived in the border area of the forest of frost, which was full of monsters. In addition, there was an unusual atmosphere between her and the monsters.

They doubted anyone would believe their words.

At this point, some would say that the Borgian family had created some strange new method. Anyway, the elite Paladins, who saw the situation themselves, were holding back their judgment for now.

‘You tell them.’

‘No, you say it.’

In a tacit silence, there were opinions that at least their leader should be informed and that the scared should die alone.

If it was revealed later that they even talked with Vigilante’s members, it would be better to blow the whistle quickly and kill themselves alone.

To be honest, they were a bit scared of the leader’s scolding, but they could still somehow survive.

The main culprit of all the hesitation was none other than the troublemaker of the situation.

Duke Omerta had a rough hand. He was too scary to be offended.

If one of them couldn’t handle his conscience and talked to the leader about what happened inside the border area that day, he would have to be prepared for a disaster that would cut off his head. Or, his fate would be like that poacher woman.….

On the subject of putting trustworthy colleagues in this dilemma, Izek himself was concentrating on sharpening the blade of his sword with a relaxed look on his face.

It was as if he was openly asking for them to run their mouths off.

Rather than leaving his seat immediately, the commander of the Knights, who was watching the tense atmosphere of the elites, suddenly approached Izek about what he had thought.

Everyone breathed slowly.

“I’m glad the Princess is safe.”

“Thank you.”

“But why do you look so troubled? You don’t look like you’re jumping in joy, but like you’re about to make a fuss about it.”

“…Lord, has your wife ever run away from home?”

“Two times when we were newlyweds, and once when we had our first son. She ran away to her family’s home, but that’s not what you’re worried about, right? Does your wife say she doesn’t want to see you?”

The Paladins, who were watching nervously inside, made distorted faces, wondering if their leader had noticed something, or if Izek would blow up like a bomb.

Everyone had gone as crazy as the weather because of the conflict between the husband-and-wife.

Anyway, the commander of the Longinus Knights was quite partial to Izek.

It was a matter of caring for talented subordinates, but sometimes he was a bit too caring.

“That’s not true, but it would be better if you said so.”

“I can’t believe you’re reflecting on yourself. The sun will rise from the west tomorrow.”

Izek responded to the leader’s joke with a bleak look, while the leader had a warm expression, as if he were reminded of old thoughts.

The leader smiled bitterly, “Do you glare at your wife like that at home?”

“…I don’t know how to treat her.”

“It’s a great development to see that you’re worried about how others feel about you. I think this is normal for a newlywed. Especially for a woman your wife’s age, she’s as sensitive and delicate as a glass bowl. That’s why…”

The leader’s tight grasp rested on Izek’s grand shoulders.

Izek’s eyebrows rose, but he did not resist.

“There’s only one answer for now. Be nice to her until she feels better.”

“So, how do you…….”

“Well, it depends. Nothing that grand, just show that you’re constantly reflecting on yourself. Don’t talk nonsense and don’t forget to give gifts and attend social gatherings often. I’m sure she’s familiar with southern social culture, so she’s bored out of her mind.”

As expected, middle-aged married men sounded sensible.

Izek hesitated for a moment and asked again, “A gift like?..”

“Hah, do you not have a friend with a younger sister to ask?”

“People have different tastes, don’t you think?

“And how would I know your wife’s taste? You’re going to have to make your own porridge.”

The leader looked beyond proud. A warm expression was stuck on his face.

The day had come when he could give all his advice as a senior in life to this stubborn troublemaker.

“Uh, Leader?”

“What? What’s wrong?”

“…Nothing.”

“Is there a relationship problem? You can always consult me on such matters.”

The Paladins, who usually showed courage with the generous and caring attitude of their leader, ended up clumsily silent.

After the leader, who was erratic, finally left his seat with a warm smile, silence lingered for a while.

“…I’m just saying-“

“…….”

“I-I think we should at least inform the chief.”

No one reacted to the pale-haired paladin, Camu, who talked up in vain.

It was just that the instigator of the situation was still watching them with his subtle appearance.

After a series of silence, Camu finally exploded, “Are you guys really out of it? Am I the only one who’s uncomfortable with this situation? If we get caught dealing with the Vigilante, then…then….”

Izek, who was standing with an unknown look on his face, slowly turned his head and looked at Camu.

Camu faltered unknowingly at the mysterious glare, feeling as if he had been caught up in the excitement alone.

“Go talk, then.”

“…….”

“What are you doing? Go hold on to anyone and talk.”

His harsh aura, which had been so tense and chilly, quickly subsided.

Camu now looked livid beyond anger, “Are you threatening me? I mean, us? Because of the Borgian woman? I can’t even laugh.”

“Camu-“

“Don’t you think this is the same situation? If you hide it this way, we’ll end up taking responsibility at the last minute. We’re taking on everything we didn’t even know about, not just the Southern Pigs!”

“That’s right! Are you threatening your comrades because you have nothing to do? It’s natural for such a timid b*stard to get scared!”

Camu, who was called timid by Ivan, forgot the point and became angry, “Who’s timid? You-!”

“Is this jerk someone to take sides with? Hey, Iz, come on, let’s just finish him up. If he disappears, our secrets will go to the grave…”

“Are you sure Romagna doesn’t have any information?”

The silence ensued at Galar’s sudden question, who had always been silent. It seemed that he was finally talking these days, and while everyone was thinking so, Izek replied back, “Yes.”

“Why?”

“…….”

“Since when have you been the one who’s been believing in such a serious matter and moving on?”

“She said she had no idea. If my father-in-law knew something, he wouldn’t have sent his daughter so unprepared.”

If he had intended to screw the North over with his daughter’s brilliant talent, she would never have been caught in such vain in the first place.

Everyone agreed on that.

Now that she got caught, it was like they were holding a knife over here.

Everything was too sloppy to think that there was a huge conspiracy lurking from the beginning.

“It makes sense, but…”

“Or do you want to tell me about the possibility that my wife lied?”

Izek’s eyes were as calm as the eyes of a typhoon. Galar’s dark red eyebrows shifted a little.

“I didn’t see her like that. I agree that the more people know, the less good it is, but what are you going to do?”

From now on. What are you going to do?

Izek was sick and tired of hearing this.

Regardless of what they knew or didn’t know, they were repeating the same words, as if they had made a promise.

After four days of searching, everyone held him back and repeated the same thing like a parrot.

What are you going to do? What do you intend to do?

What did they expect from such a question?

Even the king was no different.