I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy

Chapter 278

"Yes."

Ian replied calmly. Back then, he had encountered the item a couple of times in the game, and he just sold it off at a bargain price in the shop since it was meant only for the corrupted one. Of course, now that it had become a reality, that wasn't an option anymore unless he planned on selling it off in the underworld's black market.

I still do not know how they even harvested this.

Ian turned the box back toward himself, staring at the fragment inside the orb. Either way, it was a low-grade fragment. When carried, it slightly increased the speed of Magic Recovery, and when used, it permanently enhanced Chaos Power by a small amount. There was no need to overthink how to use it.

"They must’ve used it to corrupt their magic power," Elia muttered, still staring at the box.

Ian shrugged. "Probably."

Not every corrupted individual possessed a dark relic or an essence bead containing a fragment of Chaos. Those unable to draw power directly from the void likely used fragments of the Black Wall as a substitute. While not easy to come by, for a mage affiliated with the Magic Tower, getting one wasn’t all that difficult, either.

"They say mages swarm near the front lines. Now it makes sense why," Ian added casually.

Elia nodded slightly after a brief pause.

"I remember reading about it in passing once in a book... I never thought I’d actually see one."

She stared at the box, her eyes a mix of curiosity and fear. It was natural; a research subject had appeared right before her eyes.

Ian glanced at the fragment for a moment longer, then closed the box.

"We’ll talk more about this later. We have a guest coming."

Sooner than I expected.

Ian, adding the thought internally, began neatly packing the wooden box, parchment, and other items into his bag.

Knock, knock.

The sound of knocking followed right after Ian had finished placing the coin pouch and magic stone pouch into the spatial pocket.

"... It's Fael. Agent of the Saint."

A voice came from beyond the door. Ian sent a glance to Elia, signaling her to manage her expression, and then picked up the glass of alcohol he had set on the floor, opening his mouth.

"Come in."

The door opened cautiously. Fael, whose expression was even more cautious, stepped inside. He held a stiff smile at the corner of his lips, unable to make eye contact with Ian.

At least he isn’t as dazed as he had been yesterday.

Suppressing a chuckle, Ian spoke, "You’ve come sooner than I expected. The funeral’s probably not over yet."

"I heard you were looking for me... Everyone else told me to go ahead. Besides, there's something I need to report... and I'm the best person for the job."

Well, it made sense. The Ark Caravan was the only one of the Hexagonal League that hadn’t lost a single member.

The other merchants would have felt uneasy directly speaking to Ian. Fael was likely no exception now, but after all, Ian was accompanying him as his personal guard.

Ian gestured with his chin. "Have a seat for now."

"Oh, yes." Fael moved, creaking, as he grabbed a chair and returned, placing it between himself and Elia.

He seemed too preoccupied to even question why the young lady was polishing armor. As Fael was about to sit down, Ian reached out a hand, causing him to freeze awkwardly in place.

"This is the contract the curse caster had. I couldn’t identify who’s behind it, but it should be sufficient evidence that someone is deliberately trying to block the alliance. If the Count finds out, he’ll seize it, so take good care of it."

"You kept this aside for me... Thank you." Fael bent slightly at the waist, holding out both hands respectfully.

As Ian handed him the paper, he added, "Is it safe to show this now?"

Fael glanced quickly at the document before folding it up and tucking it into his coat, nodding. "Yes. With this recent incident, everyone suffered significant losses. And since the Count's report already has our names on it, it’s impossible to scatter now."

"Did they already finish the Count's report?"

"It seems he stayed up all night writing it. The messenger left for the capital just a few hours ago."

He’s disgustingly diligent.

Ian let out a faint chuckle. Well, they were in the heart of the Empire, where the influence of the Imperial family and the Great Church reached directly. The Count likely couldn't rest until everything was in order. That explained his gaunt and tense demeanor.

"So now...." Ian nodded, looking directly at Fael, who was still standing. "I have completed the request, including the additional terms."

"Of course, Agent of the Saint," Fael replied.

He then dropped to one knee and bowed his head. "On behalf of the entire alliance, I offer our deepest gratitude. If not for you, Agent of the Saint, none of us would have survived. Instead, people would remember us as nothing but greedy fools who killed each other for wealth. And..."

Pausing for a moment, Fael's face flushed red. "I also apologize for the disrespect I've shown."

What a fuss.

Curling one corner of his mouth, Ian added, "Ian."

"What...?"

"Call me as you always have. Being addressed like this feels extremely uncomfortable."

He looked down at Fael, who had slightly raised his head, and continued, "It's awkward doing something so formal when we’ve known each other for a while."

"But... How can I..."

"When we first met, I wasn't a Dragon Slayer or the Agent of the Platinum Dragon. And even after that, I never told you. So there's no need for an apology. Let’s just keep it simple."

Ian's lips curved into a grin. "Honestly, you felt betrayed, didn’t you? Right?"

Fael blinked, then finally let a faint smile appear on his lips.

"I can't say it didn't," he answered, standing up respectfully before finally sitting down in the chair. "Really, I had all sorts of thoughts running through my mind. I wonder what you were thinking as you watched me...."

"It wasn’t entirely boring." Ian's response made Fael's smile grow wider.

Shaking his head, Fael added, "Still, it's not all bad. When Bor finds out about this, he’ll be beating himself up. Just imagining his reaction when he learns the truth—"

"Bor already knows."

"—makes me curious to... Wait, what?" Fael's eyes widened.

Ian shrugged. "He's a sharp one."

"Wait... So, I was the only one kept in the dark?"

"Pretty much."

"Lu Solar... A merchant's intuition is supposed to be everything, yet here I am, lacking in the most vital skill."

"I told you. Your intuition isn’t something you should rely on."

Fael closed his eyes and let out a helpless laugh.

Ian tilted his head slightly. "Let’s get back to the request. The settlement is still pending, right?"

"Of course. But before that... May I make a proposal?"

"A proposal?"

"You mentioned heading to Midfert, correct?"

Ian nodded.

Fael cautiously continued, "Could I join you on that journey?"

***

The atmosphere of the guesthouse's reception room that afternoon was distinctly different from the previous day's tense discussions.

"We've agreed to hold regular meetings here in Basmut every six months. If a merchant can't attend, a legally authorized representative may take part in their place."

With no objections, the merchants efficiently dealt with most of the remaining discussion points. This was due to Ian and Elia, who sat as guests of honor at the table, with Philip standing behind them.

One more person stood next to Philip—the Northern guard. Originally the personal guard of the merchant of the Windmill Trading Company, he naturally followed Ian the moment he saw him again.

Though Ian had ordered him to return to his duties, the bodyguard had begged to stay and serve at least during their time here, so Ian had no choice but to allow it. Throughout the meeting, he stood next to Philip, eyes wide open. His presence likely helped keep the meeting running smoothly, at least in part.

Still, it’s just as boring, Ian thought indifferently as he sipped his wine.

The reason for Ian's attendance was the extra reward promised by Fael. The matter needed to be addressed in the meeting. However, the focus here wasn't solely on the reward that Fael would mention.

"Now, let’s move on to the matter concerning those who have graced us with their presence."

Fael, after wetting his lips with wine, rose from his seat. He had become the officially appointed representative of the alliance. While the establishment of the alliance had been part of his plan, ‌Ian’s influence played a significant role.

Fael shifted his gaze to Elia, who was seated beside Ian. "The young lady who has graced us with her presence is going to conduct very important research at the capital. Research to uncover the secrets of the Black Wall."

All eyes of the merchants turned to Elia. They had all been quietly curious about the young dwarf accompanying the Agent of the Platinum Dragon.

"The Black Wall holds different meanings for everyone here. Some lost their homes, others their families, and some lost their livelihoods."

Fael continued speaking calmly, his gaze sweeping over the merchants, who nodded in agreement.

"What we went through this time is also not entirely unrelated to the Black Wall. Even those who lost their lives. So wouldn't it be meaningful to sponsor the young lady in the alliance's name?"

Just as before, Elia did not correct Fael’s words. She simply kept her mouth shut and listened silently. This was because they had already agreed on this matter earlier in the room.

Now that everyone knew she had a connection to Ian, the merchants wouldn't have the ability to control her as they pleased.

"Those who agree, raise your glasses."

Fael said as he raised his own glass. One by one, the merchants raised their glasses, their eyes soon turning toward the glass in front of Ian.

Why me?

Despite his thoughts, Ian calmly raised his glass.

Smiling, Fael took a sip of his drink and spoke. "Now, all that’s left is to thank the two people who allowed us to be here today."

Fael’s gaze passed over Ian and Philip in turn. The merchants followed suit. From their expressions, it seemed like they were already aware of what Fael was going to say.

Looking directly at Ian, Fael continued, "We would like to issue you both the alliance's golden insignia."

Ian tilted his head, a hint of confusion on his face. Philip, standing just behind him, asked as if he knew exactly what Ian was thinking: "The golden... insignia?"

Fael nodded. "We plan to issue insignias made of gold or silver to benefactors or honored guests of the alliance. This is to ensure they receive proper treatment, not just from us, but from all merchants affiliated with the alliance."

Fael spread his hands wide as he spoke. "The golden insignia we will issue to the two of you is the highest tier. From now on, you can purchase any goods from merchants affiliated with the alliance at the lowest price and with the highest priority. As a standard benefit."

... So, it's like being a VIP.

Ian let out a dry chuckle. It was an unexpected additional reward. At least, it seemed more valuable than a hundred gold coins. He wouldn't have to worry about being ripped off like in a game.

"If you have a set residence, you can also request any necessary items to be delivered directly to you. While this will incur a small additional fee and is subject to availability, we will fulfill these requests as much as possible. Beyond that, you’ll enjoy various other benefits, both big and small, as esteemed benefactors of the alliance."

Still, this was not a complete loss for the alliance. After all, they wouldn't issue a golden insignia to just anyone. And with the Agent of the Platinum Dragon and the Apostle of Lu Solar being the first recipients, it would set a symbolic benchmark. It will also boost the alliance's credibility and appeal to the vanity of their customers.

While his instincts are dull, he’s clever enough in these matters...

As Ian thought this, Fael, after pausing briefly, spoke again, "Will you accept the golden insignia?"

All the merchants held their breath and watched Ian's lips. Their plans would hinge on his response. Feeling Philip’s gaze prickling the back of his head, Ian finally raised his glass.

"I will accept."

"That's a relief...," Fael spoke, unable to hide his sigh of relief.

As other merchants let out smiles of relief, Ian added, "However."

Ian continued, "If I hear rumors that the alliance is tarnishing the Platinum Dragon’s name, that honored guest will turn into an unwelcome intruder."

The merchants froze.

Fael, who had also stiffened, quickly placed a hand over his chest and straightened up. "I swear by the Radiant Goddess, such a thing will never happen. Everyone here has suffered under the tyranny and injustice of large guilds. We will make every effort to prevent the repetition of such abuses."

"I hope you keep that vow." At Ian's added words, Fael, as well as the merchants, all nodded in unison, reaffirming their vows.

... I wasn't trying to stir up any sense of duty.

As Ian thought to himself, Fael smiled faintly and added,

"As you know, the insignia are not ready yet. However, once production is completed in Midfert, you will have them in your hands."

... So that’s why he wanted to come along.

Ian’s lips finally curled into a smile again.

"Do as you wish."

Ian brought his glass to his lips.

Seeing him drink, Fael finally smiled in relief.

"Now then, that concludes the first regular meeting of the alliance. Let’s meet again at the dinner banquet."

As promised, Ian attended the dinner banquet with the Count. As Philip had expected, the Count wanted him to stay longer in the city. It was likely that he wanted Ian to remain until the results of the report he had sent to the capital came in.

Instead of outright refusing, Ian promised he would stay if the Count could defeat him in a drinking contest. And by the time the Count, who had passed out drunk, finally woke up late the next afternoon, the alliance’s merchants and Ian's group had long since left the city.