The 31st Piece Overturns the Game Board

[You begin your Rest.]

[Your Key Location Rest is starting.]

[Break 9. Illia Overcame the Crisis]

[Break 9. ‘Illia Overcame the Crisis’

Illia, one of the largest cities in Nevenia, had been plagued by a series of murders perpetrated by a ruthless knight. With each new victim, Illia's consumption and tax revenue suffered a severe decline.

The citizens despaired, feeling that the city's walls were insufficient to shield them from the looming threat. Doubts even arose regarding the competence of Earl Brispin, the city's true ruler.

However, through Earl Brispin's pragmatic and determined actions, the city managed to corner the murderer and ultimately defeat him, thanks in large part to the efforts of a courageous adventurer.

However, this danger was also an opportunity.

The public now sings praises of Earl Brispin's leadership and the heroism of the new savior of Illia.

As the city enjoys the celebration, fatigue recovery rate increases, price of goods decreases, and favorability from citizens is gained at an increased rate.

Adventurers must take plenty of rest and training here, or at another rest location, before preparing for the next Adventure.

Objective: Rest and maintenance.

You will be tired upon failure.

Remaining Time: [About 30 days]]

“Hahahaha! He destroyed it in such a grand way!”

“Has the materials issue been resolved?”

“The Lord is taking care of it, so we should be alright.”

“It’s going to be a busy two weeks.”

Life returned to the city.

The transferees found it strange that the city’s residents celebrated so enthusiastically simply because their worries had vanished. Nonetheless, they joined in the festivities wholeheartedly.

And the community, like the festivities, was livelier than before.

[(NEW) [<SeaofFire>’s Post]

[Post Date: Just now]

[Title: The unluckiest guy in the world.]

The guy who got all hyped about the Sudden Adventure and jumped over the wall, only to get his head cut off instantly LMFAOOO.

- Seriously, he should have at least waited a second or two LMFAO

- He couldn’t wait LOL

- I waited two at least :)]

[(NEW) [<Rasenshuriken>’s Post]

[Post Date: Just now]

[Title: Honestly, if you have any conscience whatsoever…]

You shouldn’t make fun of the guys who were pissing their pants behind the wall LMFAOO. They were super pathetic, though.

- Some people even said we shouldn’t help whatsoever in case the Black Knight turns this way LOL

- There were people like that? 😳

- R-right? 😳]

[(NEW) [<Heallary Clinton>’s Post]

[Post Date: Just now]

[Title: To those guys who just hide behind the wall, honestly…]

The restoration workers complained about some kind of ammonia smell when they were cleaning… Did you guys piss yourselves?

- Yeah, I saw some yellow liquid flowing down the side of the wall…

- Honestly, I would’ve pissed myself too.

- It was scarier than watching a horror movie alone late at night, LOL. You have to respect them pissing themselves, I pissed myself too.

- Respect what? LMFAO, You pissed your pants.

- Honestly, I would’ve shit myself. All of you are only acting up because you didn’t see him.

- Seriously, apparently, everyone’s the flagellant online. I bet all of you would’ve shit yourselves until your pants filled up, and it dripped down your legs.

- TMI but also, if you can turn that into a song, that’s a free grammy right there.

- Everyone calm down! Chill!!!

- He made fun of me for pissing my pants!

- Sorry, I don’t understand… we’re making fun of how people shit themselves, right?

- Comment sections were a mistake.

- If anyone asks about the future of Pandea, show them these comments.

- Our future… is completely dark!!!]

[(NEW) [<Brock Obama>’s Post]

[Post Date: Just now]

[Title: Do you know what the people in Illia are calling the flagellant now?]

The Hero of the Clock Tower LMFAOOOOOO

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

- I’ve even heard some people call him ‘The Herald of Tolling Bells’ LOOOOOL

- LMFAOOOOO I’m going to fucking shit myself LOOOOL STOPPPPP

- If I was the flagellant and I heard that, I would’ve jumped off of that clock tower LOOOL

- HAHAHAHAHA… Why am I crying, though… Is it because it’s too funny?

- To be honest… The Hero of the Clock Tower sounds kind of cool… I wish I had a nickname like that haha

- Then I’m ‘The XXX of Tolling Bells’ hehe

- Want to call each other that?

- Sure, what’s your nickname?

- Genghis Hotteok

T/N: Hotteok is a popular Korean street food that’s basically a pancake filled with honey and nuts.

- Mine’s Don’t Put the Cucumber There

- …What the fuck is wrong with you? Cancel this.

- Sigh… Man… I regret naming myself this]

[(NEW) [<Otterigato>’s Post]

[Post Date: Just now]

[Title: Everyone in the city is talking about the flagellant. I’m so jealous… I bet he has a girlfriend too…]

Is he dating the pilgrim who was traveling with her?

- Nah, I saw him traveling with the archer girl more.

- That archer looked really strong too…

- What’s so cool about him anyways…

- LOL come on. He killed the Black Knight, guys… It’s not like you guys could have beaten him.

- I would’ve died in 5 seconds.

- 5 seconds? You must be strong as fuck…

- What was that skill, though? He threw his summon like a shot put.

- His aim was even more cool LOOL]

[(NEW) [<Farting General Pung Pung>’s Post]

[Post Date: Just now]

[Title: What were your rewards?]

I got 1 silver LOL

- 1 potion haha

- Damn, all of you got shit rewards.

- I’m sure the earl is going to give the flagellant his reward, right? I wonder what he’ll give…

- Earl: It’s me…

- That’s an Abomination. I can’t believe he got an Abomination as his reward.

- What’s the flagellant’s nickname btw?

- idk.

- His nickname is idk?

- No, like I don’t know.

- It’s not like he’s a kpop idol or something, why does no one know his nickname? LOL He’s not even all that.

- That’s why people are just calling him the flagellant.

- Still, it’s better than the Hero of the Clock Tower. I just saw someone try to repeat that, and they cringed so hard they died.]

* * *

Seol, Chameli, and Filia arrived at Earl Brispin’s elegant manor.

As they entered his room, he laid out tea they had never seen before.

Chameli was the first to indulge, giving it a sniff before taking a sip.

“The taste is fairly light. Did you purchase these tea leaves from the north?”

“That light taste is the charm of northern tea. It was brewed from flowers filled with vitality that managed to break through the frozen ground of the north. It's quite alright if the taste is a little bland.”

“I see… as expected, it was quite the expensive tea. Thank you for the kind reception.”

“There’s nothing remarkable about boiling water with leaves... It's no different from ordinary water for those who don’t even like tea. Even so…”

Earl Brispin stared at Seol.

“Do you… not like tea? I know my reception toward you was cold last time, but I’ve put considerable care into this. To think you wouldn’t even take a sip of the tea… Did I do something wrong?”

Indeed, rejecting the refreshments prepared by a noble was already quite disrespectful. Even so, Seol attempted to decline with utmost respect.

“I apologize, but I lack the knowledge to comprehend the complexities of such things.”

“Haha… It is an old, stuffy hobby of nobles, after all. Nevertheless, I'm delighted to have the opportunity to host such esteemed guests at my humble manor,” said the earl while looking toward Chameli.

Chameli showed humility toward his praise.

It was also right for her to handle such formalities as Seol and Filia didn’t have the knack for it.

“Esteemed guests is too much…”

“No, all of you have done incredible work for Illia.”

"...We merely did what was necessary. The Black Knight posed a threat to all of Pandea, and Varanoa is always prepared to wield its sword in the name of Pandea's justice."

"The Holy Nation deserves praise for extending its generosity all the way to Nevenia. However, a few potential problems remain, so if I may, I'd like to address them here."

“Of course.”

Brispin glanced at Seol and Chameli before continuing.

"First, let's address the issue of the damage incurred during the city blockade."

"Yes, our parish is—"

"I advise you to choose your words carefully. Words cannot be taken back once spoken.”

“...Is the damage large?”

"The total damage is substantial. Citizens are willingly assisting with repairs, so manpower is accounted for, but the cost of materials and the various associated problems..."

Chameli began to slightly tear up.

It was clear she found it unfair that she and the parish were tasked with funding the restorations, given that the Black Knight had caused the destruction.

"However, I have no intention of seeking compensation for it."

“R-Really?”

Chameli’s eyes glowed as she quickly stood up.

“I, too, know shame and kindness. Requesting compensation from you would be dishonorable.”

"...On behalf of Varanoa, I thank you for your thoughtful consideration."

"However, since there is damage incurred, there's a possibility of discontent among the citizens even if I cover all the expenses."

Seol’s party exchanged glances.

Chameli gulped before continuing.

“So there are conditions behind it.”

"I'm glad you're quick to grasp the situation."

“What do you…”

"Haha... On that note... I wish to address the issue at hand first."

"The issue at hand?"

Lean…

Earl Brispin shifted his posture and directed his gaze at Seol.

“Your name is Snowman, correct?”

“It is.”

“I announced that I would reward the individual who took down the Black Knight. Do you remember that?”

“Yes, I do.”

“So, what do you desire?”

Seol looked blankly as multiple options appeared in front of him.

[[Earl Brispin is curious about what you would like as a reward for defeating the Black Knight. You must be careful with your response. How do you answer?]

1. How could I possibly request a reward when I simply did what was necessary? Consider it as my duty in service to your wise rule.

2. How could I possibly ask for a reward when my intent was solely to serve the citizens?

3. I will accept whatever you give me.

4. I request a sword.

……]

‘It’s filled with double-edged answers.’

Options like that often came up when dealing with nobles.

They either skirt around the subject or hide their true intent, like options 2 and 3, in order to gain favor with the noble.

However, Seol had no intent to do either of such things.

‘I plan to leave Illia soon anyway.’

There weren't any Adventures in the area that made it worth staying. Seol planned on leaving immediately after finishing his business with the Black Knight.

Like how a person who intends to quit is the most vocal, Seol boldly told the earl what he wanted.

“I would like to be introduced to a skilled craftsman.”

“Oho… So you were interested in something like that. There are many skilled craftsmen in Illia, though.”

“The craftsman I am looking for is a bit more special than the ones you are thinking of, Earl Brispin.”

“...Is that so? What sort of craftsman are you looking for, then?”

Clink…

Seol set a medium-sized glass bottle on the table, containing a black object that emitted piercing screams.

[Are you still going to ignore me? I’ll corrupt your mind, piece by piece, and…]

Seol slapped the bottle.

Slap.

[Stop it! Don’t do that!]

Chameli, Filia, and Earl Brispin were shocked.

“It’s…”

“Oh my god…”

“Is this perhaps…”

Seol nodded.

“Your assumptions are right. This is Agony, the demonic spirit that controlled the Black Knight.”

“W-We need to burn this right now…”

“I’ll prepare the purification ritual!”

Agony cried in fear

[I’ll be quiet! I won’t do anything! I’m not doing anything!]

Earl Brispin asked Seol a question.

“Are you… looking for a craftsman to completely erase Agony?”

Seol shook his head.

“I was looking for a craftsman that would help me use him.”

“Hah… how absurd. Do you intend on becoming the second Black Knight?”

“I-It’s too dangerous!”

Raise…

Seol showed Earl Brispin the two rings on his fingers.

“This is… I see, is this a labyrinth token?”

“Are you aware of the fact that I cleared the Labyrinth of Penance, Earl Brispin?”

“It would have been stranger if I didn’t know, with how much the transferees were talking about this. This token, though…”

“Nullifies an Abomination’s curse.”

“Oh my…. I see, so that’s why you were trying to do that with Agony.”

Earl Brispin thought for a second before answering Seol.

"Though I am unsure if they are the right person for the job, there is only one craftsman here in Ilia capable of handling it."

“Really?”

In truth, Seol didn’t expect Earl Brispin to know of a capable craftsman.

Seol had already considered alternative rewards in case Earl Brispin couldn't introduce him to a suitable craftsman. Luckily for Seol, the best case happened.

Earl Brispin began to tap his fingers.

“Urgh… I don’t know if that old fossil will want to do it, though.”

“It’s fine. An attempt will be more than enough.”

“Okay, I will introduce you to him. However… As I have mentioned earlier, there is a condition with this. If you accept this, I will not ask for compensation and will even write you a letter of recommendation to the craftsman.”

Seol recognized Earl Brispin's extensive speech as an attempt to craft a scenario where he would have no choice but to accept.

‘I hope he doesn’t ask for too much…’

Earl Brispin smiled as he put down his tea cup.

“I, Brispin, wish to become your sponsor.”

“What?”

Spit!

Chameli spat out her tea in shock.

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