I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy-Chapter 734

"Gray?" Thesaya frowned slightly, clearly caught off guard.

Nasser blinked as well, equally puzzled.

Ian nodded. "Once we tie up the remaining matters, that’s where I’m heading first."

"Don’t tell me you’re planning to handle that tattooed witch’s request?" Thesaya finally asked, her brow still furrowed.

Ian lifted his goblet. "I am."

"No... but why now of all times—"

"Would you mind," Nasser interjected mildly, "explaining this to a humble servant who seems to have missed several chapters?"

Ian glanced at him over the rim of his goblet.

Thesaya narrowed her eyes at Nasser before answering, "When we crossed the inner sea and slipped into the frontier, we met a mage living in hiding. She risked her life to tell Ian where the Gray Magic Tower is."

Ohara’s face flickered across Ian’s mind. She had been a rare mage—one who genuinely repented her mistakes. She was also the one who had given him the Pale Lightning Dagger, which he still used well.

"She asked him to make the lunatic spellcasters inside pay for what they’ve done," said Thesaya.

"I see. Hardly surprising."

A faint, knowing smile curved Nasser’s lips.

"The Magic Towers were already under suspicion when I served the Great Church. They were too well-hidden with too many influential figures entangled with them, so no one could lay a hand on them. Personally, I’d welcome the cleansing of such corruption."

He took another bite of meat and then looked at Ian. "But why now? You insist you’re still an active mercenary, yes—but this doesn’t seem urgent."

"Exactly," Thesaya added. "Now that the dawn of magic has risen again, it won’t be an easy fight. And weren’t you planning to dump this on the Great Church in the first place?"

Ian shot Nasser a sideways glance before answering, "That was always the backup plan. I just didn’t want to say it outright. Lucy was still with us back then."

"What does Sister have to do with this?" Thesaya asked, one brow lifting.

Ian met her gaze. "The Gray Magic Tower has close ties to Larmut."

"Larmut?" Her confusion deepened.

Unlike her, Nasser paused, then slowly nodded. "It’s a widely circulated rumor. Never officially confirmed... but judging by your tone, my lord, I take it that it’s true."

"So what exactly is Larmut?" Thesaya asked.

Nasser studied her for a moment, then chuckled softly. "Elder, you truly never cease to surprise me. To think you don’t know that name."

"Do you want your other ear cut off too?"

"Not particularly." He raised both hands in mock surrender before continuing. "Larmut is a noble house in the Central. They are one of the in-laws of the royal house, like House Sonnier."

"And originally, Lucy was meant to be sold into that family," Ian added calmly.

Both Thesaya and Nasser turned to him at once.

"Was there really something like that?"

"Seems she never told you."

"She’s always been tight-lipped. Especially about anything concerning herself. Hm... I suppose you looked into it separately, my lord."

Ian only shrugged and took another sip. In truth, he knew from having experienced it in the game, but that wasn’t something he could exactly say aloud. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"If it had happened, she would’ve ended up in the hands of those lunatic spellcasters. I see now. Sister would’ve gone through something just as horrific as I did." Thesaya’s voice had gone cold.

Watching Ian drink, she added quietly, "That’s why you intended to kill them yourself from the start."

"Even so, I still don’t see why it must be now," Nasser said,

Thesaya turned to glare at him, but he continued calmly. "Are you planning to deal with it quietly while the political climate is unstable?"

For a fleeting moment, the thought crossed Ian’s mind: because he needed to hit maximum level before the civil war ended.

However, that wasn’t all.

"There’s likely a passage in Larmut that leads directly to the Gray Magic Tower," Ian said at last, setting down his empty goblet.

Nasser’s eyes twitched.

"And if that’s true," Ian continued, "then the reverse must also be possible."

Thesaya’s eyes widened as she looked from Nasser back to Ian.

Unlike her, Nasser tilted his head skeptically. "As far as I know, spatial transfer is a spell achievable only through Mantras."

"Then the spellcasters must be using some dragon relic," Thesaya cut in before Ian could respond, turning back to Nasser. "Ian had one. And it’s not unheard of for relics to be studied and turned into arcane devices. You used dragon gear yourself—don’t tell me you didn’t know that?"

It was almost exactly what Ian had been about to say.

Nasser smiled sheepishly. "That’s... plausible. I did not mean to doubt you, my lord."

"You looked like you did." Thesaya clicked her tongue, then asked sharply, "Answer me, Half-Ear. Do those Larmut bastards live in the capital?"

"No. But they are not far from— ...Good heavens." He answered reflexively, then belatedly widened his eyes and turned to Ian, who was tilting the bottle again. "If what you’re saying is true... that would mean a direct route to the capital’s vicinity."

"If everything goes as planned," Ian said with a small nod.

Thesaya’s lips curled in amusement. "The location’s perfect, usable from both the North and the frontier."

"Provided we judge Larmut along with them," Nasser added, regaining his composure.

Ian set down the bottle. "And we’ll need to ensure the passage isn’t damaged during the assault on the Tower. Whether it’s a relic or some spell circuit managing it."

"Hmm... In that case, we’d better start asking around for a half-pint who knows how to inscribe spell circuits." Thesaya narrowed her eyes thoughtfully before glancing at Ian. "If it comes to it, we could also involve the Red ones."

"Would they help?"

"Of course." She scoffed. "You think there’s loyalty between magic towers? Offer research materials or spoils, and they’ll leap at the chance. Besides, they’ve been trying to get closer to you, anyway."

"Proper oversight would be required, of course," Nasser added smoothly.

He looked at Ian with renewed energy. "And if Larmut is truly corrupted, we may even be able to borrow Her Highness’s authority."

"Not a bad idea. Though we’ll have to see whether they’re aligned with her—or her rivals." Ian lifted his goblet again.

They certainly produce schemes quickly.

Then again, that was only possible because the two sharpest schemers in the group were sitting right here.

"I certainly hope so. ...It’s not often one gets the chance to purge two nests of corruption in a single stroke," said Nasser, nodding.

For a moment, the former apostle and purifier showed through in his eyes.

Judging by his eyes, even if their enemies were tied to the royal family, he would hesitate not at all to kill them.

"Honestly, Ian, you always exceed my expectations," Thesaya added with a smile. "This is far more elegant than simply gathering every force we have and marching."

"Though it’s extremely dangerous, and things rarely go exactly as planned," Ian replied, lowering his goblet. He exchanged a glance with Nasser.

Thesaya’s smile only deepened. "All the more reason to prepare thoroughly. Shall we select only the elite among the barbarians to accompany us?"

"No, there’s no chance the tower is undefended. Until we step inside, we move in a small group. No reason to draw suspicion." Ian shook his head at once.

They already had ways to mask their identities. And beyond that, he had no intention of risking the Legion’s strength unnecessarily or restricting his use of magic.

Thesaya nodded in agreement. "For the record, I’m coming no matter what."

"As am I," Nasser said at once. "This is, after all, work I once devoted myself to."

Ian merely shrugged. Their involvement had never been in question.

"Good... and after that..." Thesaya relaxed, twirling her goblet lazily. "We head West, right?"

"Yes. I’ve heard there’s a port near Racliffe that’s ideal for slipping out quietly." Ian answered, recalling the gambling-addicted smuggler captain.

Thesaya’s smile widened. "I thought so. It’s a more convenient route toward the Gray Magic Tower as well."

There were other reasons he needed to stop in the West, but Ian chose not to mention them.

"We should also investigate the newly appointed duke," Nasser added a moment later.

At Thesaya’s glance, he lifted his goblet and continued, "You are well aware of what transpired in the West. It is highly likely the Great Church sent someone closely aligned with them."

His gaze returned to Ian. "If so, he may attempt to restrain you."

"I keep saying this, but I’m impressed by the way your mind works, Half-Ear," Thesaya said with a chuckle.

Ian lifted his goblet slightly in acknowledgment.

When Nasser turned toward her, she continued with a characteristically mischievous fairy smile, "I can only imagine how cleverly you’ve been manipulating Redhead all this time."

"You overestimate me, Elder." Nasser chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No matter how I try, I cannot override my lord’s stubbornness. There is only one person capable of that."

"Oh? Now I’m very curious who that might be." Thesaya’s teasing gaze slid toward Ian.

Ian ignored her completely and continued eating. They had been talking so much that he hadn’t even properly satisfied his hunger.

"Ever since it became known that an archdemon led the invasion of the North, the entire archduke’s family has been holed up in their manor without a word."

"It didn’t seem as though they took the invasion very seriously to begin with. Pathetic."

Thesaya and Nasser continued their idle conversation as the meal went on.

Ian simply nodded now and then, steadily working through the dishes in silence.

"I only caught a glimpse, but that Utrid fellow seemed rather weak-willed. He looked little more than General Harald’s puppet," said Nasser.

"Speak of the devil," Ian muttered offhandedly.

"What do you mean, my lord?" Nasser blinked.

"Sounds like General Harald just arrived," Thesaya answered, glancing toward the door.

Ian nodded faintly, chewing. Beyond the closed door, footsteps were approaching down the hallway, clear and measured.

"Ah... he must be here to request your attendance at the coronation," Nasser said.

The footsteps stopped outside, and a polite knock followed.

"Your Excellency. Harald."

Ian rinsed his mouth with liquor and answered, "Enter."

The door opened, revealing Harald in formal attire.

"My apologies for disturbing your meal, Your Excellency." He stepped inside and bowed.

The sleeve on his left arm had been cut short, exposing the bandaged stump beneath, but his complexion looked notably healthier. There was even a hint of liveliness about him.

"It’s fine. Seems everything’s proceeding according to plan."

"It’s all thanks to you." Harald stopped on the far side of the table and spoke with sincerity.

Ian gave a faint smile. "I’ll attend the coronation. You needn’t worry."

"So you already knew why I came," Harald hesitated briefly.

Ian tilted his head. "As you can see, I have guests."

"All the better, then." Harald nodded and turned toward Thesaya. "The Saintess was looking for you, Elder."

"The Saintess?"

"Yes. She has a request concerning the coronation. Would you accompany me after you finish your meal?"

Thesaya did not answer immediately. Instead, she looked at Ian, her gaze subtly asking permission. It wasn’t permission to meet Cherwyn—that much was obvious.

Best to prepare in advance.

Ian gave a slight nod.

A smile curved her lips at once. "Perfect timing. I had something I wished to ask the Saintess as well. If possible, may I also greet Her Highness?"

"Of course. I’ll escort you," Harald replied without hesitation.

Thesaya drained her goblet in one go and stood.

"Let’s go now. See you in the streets tonight, Agent of the Saint." She winked at Ian and turned.

Harald bowed once more and followed her out.

Watching them leave, Nasser said, "Seeing how enthusiastic the Elder is, I find myself wanting to contribute as well."

"Don’t worry. I have something for you," said Ian.

"And what might that be?"

"Go out and inform the barbarians and the soldiers. If I show up in the streets tonight, no one is to make a spectacle."

Ian met Nasser’s eyes and added, "And absolutely no causing trouble."

"Not quite the assignment I was expecting." Nasser smacked his lips lightly, set down his goblet, and rose. "Understood. Though the Elder may be disappointed."

Once Nasser left, the dining hall fell quiet again.

After a brief silence, Ian let out a sigh.

"Honestly, I’d rather just stay shut in here."

He shook his head and pushed another bite of meat into his mouth.

Standing before crowds still didn’t appeal to him. However, the last remaining variable needed to be eliminated.

He had not the slightest intention, truly not even a speck, of becoming the ruler of the North.