I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

Chapter 6

On the second floor of the tavern in Ians room, the tavern owner was securely fastening the leather pauldrons onto Ians shoulders. Turn your arm around. (TS note: Pauldron is part of armor that is often dome-shaped that covers the shoulders, armpit and some portions of the back and chest.)

Ian obediently moved his arm, testing the strength of the leather straps. Not bad. The pauldron fit perfectly on Ians shoulders and didnt hinder his movement.

The most annoying part is done. The tavern owner mumbled as he continued tightening the straps of the armor.

Ian had asked him to help with the preparations since he would have to wear the armor like clothing from now on, but getting help with the armor wasnt the only reason hed asked the tavern owner for help.

Before Ian could speak, the tavern owner asked first. Are you leaving right away?

Ian shrugged. I received a commission.

Well, even so

Anyway, theres nothing more for me to do here. So, Im leaving.

The tavern owner smacked his lips, disappointed.

Fine, then tell me some rumors.

What kind of rumors?

The dark and ominous ones, theyre often talked about around here. Gathering intel was Ians real intention in asking for the tavern owners help.

The tavern was a place where all sorts of rumors gathered thanks to wanderers, outsiders, and gossip-loving drinkers. It was the easiest way to gather information that could serve as a basis for setting a destination.

Those arent just a few rumors. What do you want? The curse of the Black Wall is spreading like a plague. Packs of wolves that eat only human flesh or four-eyed alligators living in the underground sewer? They even say blood-drinking fairies feed on headless horsemen.

Rumors of the kingdom were this extreme, but Ian also knew that all these rumors were true. It was a glimpse into how chaotic the Dark Ages were. What about the locations of interest?

Interesting locations? There are even rumors about a castle where blood flows from the walls, a cave where screams can be heard, and a forest where people go in but never come out.

Ians eyebrows twitched. This was the story he had been waiting for, Something like the Graveyard Forest?

Exactly. There isnt much of a story despite the name. With a tug, the tavern owner tightened the strap on the side of the armor. For someone who doesnt like to chat with strangers, you sure know a lot. The tavern owner stopped fiddling with the armor straps and sat down in front of Ian, holding gaiters. That forest has an underground tomb. Its said to have been built by ancient fairies or something like that. Since the time of the war with the demon folks, the bodies of fallen soldiers have been laid to rest there. It was better than having their bodies scattered around everywhere, so they put them underground. (TS note: Gaiters protect the lower leg and feet from injury)

Ian recalled the Graveyard Forest from the game. It was a fairly credible legend. So?

Until recently, commoners were burying bodies in the Forest too. But at some point, the mist started thickening. The tavern owner continued speaking as he adjusted the gaiter on Ians leg. Since then, those who enter dont come back. No one goes in anymore, and thats the end of it.

Hasnt anyone tried to solve it?

Why should they? Its a place even tomb raiders avoid. No one needs to go, so why bother.

Well, Im interested. All the necessary pieces of evidence had come together.

The tavern owner raised an eyebrow. Are you planning to go there with that knight?

Ian calmly retorted. Theres nothing much in our village. So, Ill go to the most likely place to find some quests. How long will it take to get to the Forest?

About a week on foot, but not more than ten days. Itll be faster if you ride a horse. You probably already know the name and location roughly, so it wont be hard to find.

I see. A week, or ten days at most. It was only a ten minute walk in the game.

While Ian was organizing his thoughts, the tavern owner got up. Is there anything else you want to ask or some way I can help?

No, thats it. Thanks for your help. Ill be in your debt till the end. With the sword on the table, Ian stood up.

I didnt expect the room to be empty so soon.

I told you I wouldnt sit around.

That was fine with me. The tavern owner looked around the room and asked, How long do you think this peace will last?

Ian replied indifferently, It wont be long until the monsters reappear. War is coming.

The tavern owners breathing stopped instantly. His once muscular shoulders, now thick with fat, were tight with tension. A common reaction of those who have experienced war before.

Dont entrust your future to others like me. You must protect your nephew.

That will be the day I need to use the armor and ax you gave me. The tavern owner sighed in the voice of an old soldier that had accepted the bleak future ahead of him.

Will you stay? Ian asked the tavern owner who nodded to him. Youll have to take care of that ax. It wont last much longer. He turned to the door and walked out.

The tavern owner lightly smiled at the closed door. So thats why I didnt owe you a favor for that ax. Anyway He looked at his belly. I need to lose some weight if war is coming. His eyes, as if pondering, were filled with the determination of one who could do anything to survive. As if the memories of the past month were like a sweet dream.

~~~~~~

Wow! Philip exclaimed when he saw Ian. Looks impressive, Sir. Maeve and Philip nodded as they faced him.

Ian, wearing gray leather armor, looked like quite a reliable mercenary. The worn belt around his waist was old, but the new sword gave a sense of trustworthiness. It meant he had survived as a mercenary long enough to have gone through multiple swords.

The color is unique. What kind of leather is it?

Kobold Chief.

Kobolds are usually brown, right? Is it dyed by contaminated magic? Philips expression turned wary, as if he had not been admiring it.

Ian smirked and replied. Seems like the knight-to-be is quite afraid.

Afraid? Not at all! Not even slightly! Philip jumped up.

While Ian casually sat down on the opposite chair, he added. You should finish eating. You need a full stomach for the journey. Maeve and Philip nodded and picked up their forks and spoons again. Bread, meat, and stew was the most substantial meal available at this tavern.

Have you decided on the destination? It didnt take long before Phillip spoke up again.

Ian shrugged his shoulders. For now. First-. Just as he was about to continue speaking, a shadow suddenly loomed by his side. Ian furrowed his brow and turned his head and saw a face full of freckles. It was the maid.

Whats up? She asked in a subdued voice as she fixed her gaze on Ian. Is it true? That youre leaving with these people.

Yeah.

After the meal, right away?

Thats right.

How did this happen all of a sudden?

Thats the life of a mercenary.

But, still- Her voice, which had been trembling slightly, grew emotional and faded.

Ian blinked his eyes dazedly. Phillip and Maeve also momentarily halted their movements. It was because of the tearful eyes of the maid.

Im sorry. Its just so sudden. The maid bowed her head, wiping away her tears, and without looking back, hurriedly ran into the kitchen.

Ian let out a hollow chuckle a little belatedly as he watched her run to the kitchen. It was true that he felt some affection, but to see her cry like that was surprising. He felt someones gaze and turned his head. Whats up?

Phillip, who had been enjoying the spectacle, smiled and said, Youre quite skilled, arent you? They say winning a womans heart is the most difficult thing.

Nothings going on.

Thats not how it looks from here. That look-

Nothing. Theres nothing. Ian cut Phillip off with a cold tone.

Phillip closed his mouth with a reluctant expression.

What exactly happened? The owner of the tavern asked as he descended the stairs. Ian glared at Phillip as if he were about to speak.

Nothing.

Finish what you were saying, Ian. Maeve added.

Just as hed hoped. For now, Im thinking of going to the Graveyard Forest.

The Graveyard Forest? Phillip raised an eyebrow.

Theres an ominous rumor about it.

Its on the way to the capital, so it shouldnt be too hard to stop, but it would be better if you explain your reasons.

Ian nodded at Maeves serious attitude. That damned dark mage must have a hiding place somewhere around here. He said he spread seeds all around, waiting for the day to harvest.

Thats a part of my estimation as well.

Thats why I chose potential hiding places for that guy.

But isnt there nothing there? Its known as a place with only tombs and bones, without even gravestones. Phillip said.

Ian nodded his head. Its an environment the dark mage would like. Plus, since theres nothing to take, there wont be anyone going there willingly. There wont be any attention drawn to it without problems arising in the forest. This should be enough reasons.

Even so, in the middle of the kingdom- Phillip murmured disbelievingly.

As they say, its darkest just below the candle. The tavern owner chimed in discreetly.

Indicating Ian with his chin, he added, The Fixer may not be kind, but Ive never seen him wrong. At least there wont be any losses.

What if its all for nothing? Ian retorted.

The tavern owner laughed. Well, in any case, the cursed forest will disappear.

Maeve nodded her head. Both of you have valid points. Well follow the mercenarys plan.

Ian. Call me Ian, not mercenary, Lord Liurel. Ian added.

Maeve replied kindly. Of course, Ian.

Phillip was the only one who looked reluctant. It seems like youre both playing tricks. This is a waste of at least one day of your precious week.

If youre scared to go, Ill let you wait outside the forest Ian smirked

Philips eyes widened at Ians words, And leave you in charge? That is more terrifying than the Forest. I will lead!

Ian laughed Be sure to do that.

Meave put down her fork, We dont have much time, so lets start right away. The meal was delicious, owner.

Philip quickly packed his things. The owner nodded at Maeve and turned to Ian Goodbye. Lets live and see each other again.

There will be nothing to see, whether Im dead or alive. Unnecessary hope only shortens ones lifespan. Ian turned his back on the tavern owner and started walking.

Just as he was about to open the door, Wait a moment! The maids urgent voice followed him.

Ians forehead finally creased. How far is she going to stick to me? Ian thought to himself. When he turned his head irritably, the maid handed him a small bundle wrapped in cloth.

Take this, Fixer.

What is this?

I packed some ham and cheese. For you to eat during the journey.

As she handed the bundle to Ian, the maid added, Please be careful. Fixer. You understand, right?

After briefly meeting her eyes, Ian finally responded awkwardly. Yeah. If anyone tries anything funny or whatever, bring it up and stab them. You have a good eye for people.

The maid smiled. Ian walked away, putting the bundle in his dimensional space, a faint smile crossed his face.

Sir, did you see that? Philips voice echoed after him. The maids eyes were truly heartbreaking.

Ians steps stopped, Sir Liurel, I have a favor to ask. He turned back to Maeve, eyes cold as ice. Can I cut off this servants tongue? I think removing it will help you on your journey.

Philips face paled as Maeve replied, That will never happen. She passed by Ian and added, But if that moment comes, I will ask you to do it.

Philip laughed awkwardly, Sir, what a scary joke. It is a joke right?

Ill happily do it for free.

You are both good at telling jokes! Then, Ill go get the horse. Philip, creaking like a wooden doll, hurried after Maeve.

Riding wasnt Ians preference. Horses were valuable vehicles to the people of this world; to him, they were a cumbersome and labor-intensive tool. But this journey required saving time and energy. Well, cant be helped. After regaining his appetite, Ian walked more leisurely. He had taken requests from stable keepers before, so he figured he could get a horse for a cheap price.