271. Eradication (3)
#271
“Your sister sent you?”
Ronan opened the envelope. Finally as he read the letter he smiled. Ade Shan breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the anger had completely disappeared from his face.
“thank god. “I guess I’m feeling a bit relieved.”
“It’s a letter written by my sister but I can’t read it while frowning. “Thank you for telling me.”
Ronan’s eyes were dripping with affection. It was an expression she rarely showed except when she was alone with him. Adeshan who was looking at that scene smiled without realizing it.
“You really like Iril.”
“sure. “Why as you know I have no parents?”
For a moment Adeshan was speechless. He didn’t know how to react to these words. Although Ronan himself was speaking casually. When Adeshan was silent he spoke.
“If you think about it he’s a really shitty seller. Her mother died when she was young so she has never seen her face and her father is asleep at the tip of the North keeping the secrets of her world. So she doesn’t know much about maternal love or her parents’ love or anything like that.”
“Ugh….”
“But she never once felt dissatisfied or lacking about it. Because I had a sister. “She was mean when she was a child but it wasn’t because she didn’t receive much love growing up it was because I had a naturally nasty temper.”
Ronan chuckled. Ade Shan also raised the corners of his mouth with an effort. The later contingent who had confirmed that the star’s protection had disappeared was entering the mountain path.
“My older sister always raised me with love and care. I felt it from the moment I walked around Nimburton on my swaddle. “He was too much for a bastard like me.”
“That’s it.”
“no. “Really.”
Ronan shook his head. He told me a few anecdotes from his childhood with Iril.
“One time I made a fuss about wanting to see the demonic dragon Orsay from a fairy tale. It was easy to say that we could meet in a dream but she didn’t say that. “What do you think he would have done?”
“Um…well? “Did you draw a picture for me?”
“It was similar but a little different. My sister created a truly believable Orsay costume by sleeping less for an entire month. And he surprised me by walking around wearing it himself.”
Ronan laughed as he recalled his memories of that time. Even by adult standards the makeup was done with great care. The four wings were made from real raven feathers. He exclaimed as Adeshan covered his mouth.
“wow.”
“And I went into the room without even pretending to be surprised. At that time my interest in Orsay had already cooled. “After that I never paid any attention to that makeup.”
“…wow.”
Adeshan was impressed once again. It feels a little different than before. Ronan saw her expression and smiled bitterly at her.
‘정말 개새끼였군.’
The more she looked back the more she realized that she was a poor child with no answers during her childhood. She couldn’t understand why she bothered her sister who was changing her poopy diaper.
Although she never did anything pretty Iril always gave her infinite love for free. Right before I ran out of the house without saying a word.
I’m so glad you’re back. Ronan muttering under his breath continued her words.
“I’m a little speechless. “I guess I just wanted to show that I care about it.”
“huh. “I feel enough.”
“Thank you for saying that. Anyway that’s it. “I want to make my sister just as happy.”
Ronan concluded her remarks. In fact Iril’s happiness was one of the biggest driving forces behind his decision to save the world. Tragedy did not suit my lovely sister.
“Oh can I come to the island for a few hours tomorrow?”
“huh? Of course that’s okay but why?”
“I didn’t know but I guess tomorrow is my birthday. “My sister said we should spend time together after a long time.”
Ronan showed her the letter he had received from Iril. On her parchment was written in clear curly writing like an insect.
At the bottom of the message telling me to come home because tomorrow is my birthday there was a postscript saying that I had already prepared a gift. It’s been so long since I forgot my birthday I completely forgot about it. Ade Shan nodded her head.
“That has to go. Anyway if we conquer Felgrand we will take a break. “I’ll tell you well.”
“I’ll be back soon. “Senpai everything is fine right?”
“huh? Umm…that’s….”
Ade Shan She hesitated. She had been experiencing auditory hallucination-like symptoms recently. The voice of her unknown woman which she has been hearing in her head since she went to the North with Ronan is getting louder day by day.
She wanted to talk but she was worried that talking for no reason would take up a lot of time. Even if the situation was completely tilted it was still a battle. She was about to say something.
“hey. “I think she might have to retreat.”
“Mr. Balzac?”
Balzac suddenly approached from behind and spoke. There were bruises all over her pale face that weren’t there before. It was as if he had been dragged away for training by the Shadow Prince and beaten with excitement. Ronan asked.
“what’s the matter?”
“A telegram just arrived from the East. It is said that the 2nd corps led by Jaipa has occupied Pansia Fortress. “They say the hawks are on their way here after finishing the finishing touches.”
“Aha did you finally eat pancia? “If that’s the case you should jump out.”
Ronan nodded at her. After exchanging glances with him Adeshan hurriedly ran towards the direction of his unit. Soon her voice echoed in her head.
[The 4th field commander announces. The entire army must retreat immediately to the outside of the Felgrand Mountains. Repeat. Commanders who hear this message should lead their troops to leave the Felgrand Mountains immediately.]
A sound containing the mana of the shadow spread throughout the military camp. The Allied offensive which was reaching its peak came to a halt.
They completely changed their stance and began to retreat. The Allied vanguard which was about to enter deep into the mountains soon also turned around.
“You guys are leaving!”
“What happened?”
The believers who were preparing for the final battle expressed bewilderment. It was an unknown retreat. Now if only two bases were captured all of Felgrand would fall into the hands of the Allied Forces but I couldn’t understand how things were going so smoothly.
“What is this….”
Archbishop Alicia frowned. She was gathering herself in her stronghold after being defeated by Ronan and the Shadow Prince. The subordinate who approached asked a question.
“Shall we chase after you?”
“…no. We are at a disadvantage. Just focus on moving supplies and manpower.”
Alicia shook her head. I don’t know the English language but it was truly fortunate. The presence of Ronan who unconditionally cut down divine protection was like a thunderbolt striking a dry sky. If he fought clumsily now that there were no other archbishops around he could have seen even more bloodshed.
“What on earth are you doing teacher?…”
As she was contemplating her defeat she muttered quietly. Even though the organization was in desperate danger the leader had not been seen for a month. At first I thought he was away because he had something planned but now even that belief was shaking little by little.
“…Everything goes as the stars will.”
But she couldn’t give up here. It was the cult leader and no one else. As he had done well so far he was sure to lead the church to the right answer.
Clap clap. Alicia who strengthened her faith by hitting her face with the palm of her hand pulled herself to her feet. It was the car where she was giving her instructions to her subordinates. The believers standing guard at the eastern watchtower screamed.
“Something is coming from the north!”
“What do you mean?”
“Ah…oh my god look at the sky!”
The surroundings were becoming increasingly noisy. Alicia looked to her east and raised her head. She froze as did the rest of her. Seven huge dragons were flying in formation in the sky above the horizon.
“what.”
It was a falcon unit responsible for the firepower of the Allied Forces. Now that their power was weakened and the protection of the stars was gone there was no way for Nebula Clage to stop them. Itar Gand who was in charge of the vanguard opened his mouth wide and roared.
【Kaaaaaa-!!!】
Navardose’s youngest son was small in size but he radiated the hottest fire among the seven. The mountain range shook at the loud voice. Despair appeared on Alicia’s face.
The scales of the seven dragons were all sparkling red reminiscent of ruby. God’s creatures that inherited the blood of Navardose were known to be the most powerful of all dragons.
“Is this why you suddenly returned from the army…!”
She seemed to know the reason for the sudden retreat. The seven dragons spewed fire from the moment they entered the mountain range. Quaaaaa! The red-yellow flames that poured out like molten metal began to burn the bases that the Allied forces had not yet reached.
“Run away too! “Go inside the fortress!”
“It’s late…!”
“Alicia! “Blessings from the Rice Star…!”
Screams erupted from everywhere. Despite the appeals of the believers Alicia was unable to activate the star’s protection. Once the protection was destroyed more time was needed to regenerate it.
The dragons quickly reached their heads. Itargand who was scanning the ground shouted in an angry voice.
【Abandon hope! You bug-like bastards!】
At the same time the sky turned red. A torrent of flames rained down on Alicia’s head. The believers cast defensive magic in a hurry but they could only last a few seconds. Alicia who was looking up at the sky laughed.
“This is too much.”
Quaaaaa! Flames enveloped the fortress accompanied by a sound as if a thousand forests were burning at the same time. The fire which decomposed organic matter in the blink of an eye penetrated into the interior of the building and burned down all the troops and supplies that had taken refuge.
Where the dragon’s fire swept away not even a scream remained. As the cold wind blowing from the north swept across the mountain range a pile of ash mixed with sparks rose up. The Felgrand Mountains which served as the northern pillar fell into the hands of the Allied forces.
****
It was a refreshing noon. Clouds like flocks of sheep were flowing across the sky above the islands. The early summer breeze was seeping through the half-open window.
“It’s finally today.”
The temperature was high but it wasn’t hot because there was no humidity. Iril who was looking out the window smiled. It was a perfect day to celebrate her beloved brother’s birthday.
“I want to see you soon. “My little brother.”
Iril muttered. She hasn’t been able to see Ronan’s face lately because she has been busy. Friends like Asher and Schlieffen.
There was so much food laid out in front of her that her upper legs would break. The twenty dishes including the potato stew at the center of her table were all cooked by herself.
It took a lot of work but considering Ronan’s face it wasn’t hard at all. Besides today was not a normal birthday so it was right to push harder than usual.
The gift she prepared today had a much deeper meaning than usual. She was wiping her hands on her apron when she suddenly snapped her fingers.
“I almost forgot the most important thing.”
Iril suddenly realized that she hadn’t taken out the gift and went into her room. She stopped in front of her bed and bent down to face down. Deep in the depths I saw a box containing acupuncture needles.
“Eeeeeeeek…!”
Iril gritted her teeth as she reached her hand under her bed. No matter how hard she tried the box just barely grazed her fingertips and she couldn’t catch it. Iril who had been shaking in that position for a while eventually got her body up.
“Whoa…did I put it in too deep?”
she muttered wiping the sweat from her forehead. She felt like she would have to move the entire bed. She rolled up her sleeves and was about to get into action again.
She’s smart.
Suddenly a knock was heard from the front door.
“Okay let’s go now!”
Iril shouted. The sound of a cheerful knock on the door was familiar. I thought it might be a little late but it actually came quickly? She smiled brightly and opened her front door.
“Ronan! Welcome! “I’m very hungry… huh?”
Iril’s eyes widened. There was no one outside the door. There was only a strangely deserted street left lying in silence.
“…what?”
Iril tilted her head. She clearly felt popular but she must have been mistaken. thud. It was at that moment that she turned around closing her door without much thought.
“I heard wrong…aaaaaa!!”
A shrill scream burst from her mouth. The entire house had turned into a sea of blood. Dozens of men dressed in black were rolling around on the floor headless corpses.
“This…what the hell….”
The smell of her blood stung her nose. Iril covered her mouth with both her hands. The men’s clothes all had the emblem of the Balon Empire drawn on them. They were elite agents directly under the imperial family who were dispatched to protect Iril at Ronan’s request.
There was no one alive. The blood gushing from the cut side of his neck was unrealistically red. She was breathing heavily and was about to sit down. A man’s voice came from her table.
“Nice to meet you. “This is my first time seeing it in person.”
“omg…!”
Iril quickly turned her head and froze. Someone was clearly sitting at her empty table. Her white-haired man was slyly eating the potato stew she had made.
“Your cooking skills are perfect. “I’m glad she didn’t bleed until this point.”
“Oh dad…?”
Iril dragged her tail. The man’s appearance was very similar to the one she remembered from her father.
But that doesn’t mean there was a difference in the fundamental feeling. She could not find the gentleness like her father’s in her man’s sunset-like eyes. Iril asked barely able to calm her breathing.
“…no. “Who are you?”
“After all you were my brother’s blood relative. If so this would also be a historic meeting. “You may already know this but let me formally introduce you.”
Suddenly the man who was eating her stew lifted her up. He came up to Iril scratching her head and opened her mouth.
“My name is Abel. “He is the current leader of Nebula Clazier.”
