Chapter 25: Proof

Nerssaren swirled the liquor in his cup, his gaze raking over Ian from head to toe.

Pale skin, blonde hair, and green eyes—a stark contrast to his own people. Even his bone structure seemed alien. Nerssaren's eyes held a predatory curiosity, as if he were observing a creature from another world.

"From the letter you sent, I expected someone younger."

The handwriting had been a chaotic scrawl, after all. Despite the formal tone of his words, Ian understood the underlying meaning.

"I am still lacking in many areas. However, I am striving not to bring shame upon the Chenri tribe. I ask for your understanding."

He thought I was an idiot. Ian noted the slight arch of Nerssaren's eyebrow as he glanced at his companions. A shared smile of amusement played on their lips.

"I hear your mother was a second wife. Is that correct?"

"Yes, it is."

Derga had masked Philia's existence with a fabricated death. The official story was that Ian's birth mother had died when he was very young, and he had lived in the manor ever since.

They couldn't even begin to imagine that she was still alive, let alone that he had been stolen from her.

"You must take after your mother, then."

"I suppose so. To think such a face came from the Count..."

"Su! Hold your tongue."

"Ah, my apologies."

The speaker was the youngest-looking woman among them. Su offered an awkward wave of apology. The way she casually addressed the Count revealed the low regard in which they held the Bratz family.

"This is Su, my niece, and this is Gansya, a warrior of the tribe."

And no apology from him. Nerssaren casually introduced his companions, swiftly changing the subject. These were the people who would likely accompany Ian for the rest of his life, assuming he survived the journey across the border.

"It must be disappointing to leave your homeland earlier than expected."

"Not at all. I consider it an honor to solidify our alliance through this arrangement. Of course, Chief Winchen's illness is a grave matter, but it is what it is."

Nerssaren almost retorted but held back, thanks to Ian's flawless addition. Young he may be, but a noble he was. The inherent eloquence of an Imperial was evident in his words.

"But is Chief Winchen's condition truly so sudden?"

"He is of advanced age, so 'sudden' might not be the most fitting word. But if I were to pinpoint a cause, it would be that alone."

"Please do not misunderstand my intentions. Since you have come all this way, if you wish, Nerssaren, I can summon our court physician."

The Chenri tribe likely had their own medical practices. But what could a tribal community truly offer? Probably just folk remedies and herbal concoctions. Even though Bratz was on the frontier, it was still part of the Empire, and its physicians were surely of a higher caliber.

"I appreciate the offer, but I must decline. We have our own ways."

This was a reference to their centuries-old traditions. They were a people who rarely suffered serious injuries, and even death was considered the will of their god.

"Or perhaps, Nerssaren, you could request that... The red herb..."

A man named Gansya interjected, only to fall silent under Nerssaren's withering glare.

Red herb? What is that? Ian maintained a calm facade, his mind racing, but nothing came to mind.

"In any case, thank you for your hospitality despite our sudden arrival. Please convey our gratitude to the Count."

His tone indicated that he wished to be left alone now. But Ian did not retreat. He still had a crucial task to complete.

"Of course. And in truth, the reason I sought you out is that I have a request."

"A request?"

Honestly, if they hadn't come, it would have been quite troublesome. To cross the border with Beric, the only option would have been for Beric to gain Derga's trust by posing as an informant and spy.

But the problem was Beric himself.

He had no talent for strategy or manipulation, making it incredibly difficult to get Derga to trust him. It seemed more likely that Ian would have to cross the Great Desert alone and make his way to the Chenri encampment.

"There is a friend I wish to bring with me to the Great Desert."

"Are you referring to the servant who was with you earlier and the red-haired one?"

It was Muzurun who had seen Ian with Haena and Beric. Ian shook his head at his words.

"Only the red-haired one. He is an orphan with no family."

"Everyone loses their parents eventually."

"I did not mean to imply he is pitiful. I meant that he has no ties to Bratz, so he can fully dedicate himself to the Great Desert."

Nerssaren's face hardened.

Life in the Great Desert was harsh, not just because of the climate but also because of the constant struggle for survival. Idleness was simply not an option.

That was likely one of the reasons why Ian would not be welcomed there. A nobleman who had lived a life of luxury would have very limited use in such a place.

"Work for us? I wonder. What can he do? Swim through sand pits? Is he immune to scorpion venom? Or perhaps he can make plants sprout without water?"

His words offered a glimpse into the harsh realities of Chenri life. From their perspective, simply having someone who did not contribute was a burden in itself.

But Ian was not deterred.

"He is skilled in combat and possesses great stamina."

"Skilled in combat? Hahaha!"

For the first time, Nerssaren burst into genuine laughter. To discuss an individual's combat prowess in front of the Chenri was laughable. They were a race that could not be challenged without weapons or magic.

"Now I understand. Lord Ian, you enjoy making jokes."

"I assure you, this is no joke."

Ian met his gaze steadily, conveying his seriousness. Nerssaren's laughter gradually subsided, and he once again scrutinized Ian from head to toe.

Small in stature, yet quite bold.

And he had manners.

He had taken care of the reception, which even the Count hadn't bothered with, and offered to call a doctor for Winchen, albeit a somewhat unwelcome gesture. All of this didn't seem like mere flattery to survive. He simply fulfilled his duties without any hostility.

But this was a separate matter.

Ian Bratz was burden enough.

"Ian Bratz, you are a token of our alliance, but what use is this red-haired man to us? If he cannot earn his keep, we cannot take him."

"That remains to be seen."

"It is plain to see. That small fellow, skilled in combat? What a..."

"If you doubt me—"

Ian cut him off. Still bold, he clearly wasn't going to back down easily.

"How shall we prove it?"

'Interesting.'

Nerssaren pondered for a moment before turning to Su. She was stuffing her face with bread, and her eyes widened at being addressed. She could sense a bothersome task coming her way.

"Very well. You say he is skilled in combat. If he can defeat Su in a duel, I will allow him to come."

"Why me? There's Gansya and Muzurun!"

"You are of similar size."

"Ugh, seriously!"

They had just arrived after days of travel, and now she had to duel without even resting.

Su glared at him, clearly annoyed. But Nerssaren and the others seemed unfazed, as if this were a common occurrence.

"What do you say? Is that acceptable?"

"I am grateful for the opportunity."

"Be warned, Chenri duels often draw blood. Keep that in mind."

"Beric enjoys the sight of blood. He will be pleased."

As he spoke, Ian studied Su.

Even though she was a small woman, Nerssaren had brought her along on this journey into enemy territory. She was clearly not someone to be underestimated.

"Then we shall meet after dinner. Rest well."

"Meat! Please make sure there is plenty of meat. I mean, if you would."

"Of course, Su."

Ian bowed politely and left the room. As soon as he closed the door and turned the corner, he found a group of servants huddled together.

"Lord Ian! Why were you gone for so long?"

"We feared something had happened."

They had all been worried about him. Ian simply smiled and requested that dinner be prepared, then went to wake Beric, who was curled up asleep on the sofa.

"Beric."

"Ugh..."

"You have to duel a Chenri after dinner."

At those words, Beric's eyes snapped open as if he had been electrocuted. What did he just say? Duel who?

"Remember the woman among those we saw earlier? You must defeat her to come with me to the Great Desert. Otherwise, you will have to make the journey alone."

Beric's eyes gleamed. The prospect of crossing the desert alone didn't seem to faze him. He was simply thrilled at the prospect of fighting a Chenri.

"But a woman?"

"Do not underestimate her. She is the one the Chief's brother brought with him to Bratz. She seems very agile."

Gansya and Muzurun were clearly there for protection. The fighting spirit and aura of warriors emanated from them; they would surely survive even if thrown into a lion's den.

But given the urgency of their mission, they needed someone who could move swiftly if problems arose. Su's light build suggested she was that person.

Beric rubbed his face against a cushion and mumbled.

"Speed is useless in a fight. Once I get my hands on her, it's over."

"If you can catch her, that is."

"Huh?"

Ian gazed out the window, deep in thought.

Yes, if he can catch her...

"Beric. Listen carefully. I will teach you how to win."

Ian sat on the opposite sofa and explained every possible tactic. Until the sky grew dark, and the torches of the manor illuminated the red flowers by the window.

Nerssaren and his companions ate in their room and remained there. The soldiers guarding the manor made it difficult for them to move around freely.

Of course, physical limitations were no obstacle for them.

"How are you going to get out?"

In the backyard, some distance from the detached building, a figure could be seen silhouetted against a lit window on the fourth floor. The entire manor's guard was focused on the detached building, leaving the backyard deserted.

"Huh?"

The window opened, and a figure dropped to the ground below. Beric froze in surprise, but Ian, as if expecting it, simply looked up.

And he started counting. One second, two seconds, three seconds...

"Hello!"

Su emerged from the bushes, her head popping up. She had covered a considerable distance in mere seconds. She was practically a beast.

"Hmm, it's nice here. It's been a while since I smelled grass."

"Where are the others?"

"Resting in the room. We have to leave early tomorrow. Being the youngest is such a pain."

With no one else to talk to, Su started speaking casually to Ian. This was the kind of treatment Ian would receive once they crossed the border. Even the youngest of the group would treat him with casual disrespect.

Beric glanced at Su and then back at the detached building.

"You jumped from that window?"

"Yes. Why?"

"How will you get back up?"

"I'll go back up the same way."

Her expression suggested she saw no problem with it. Beric chuckled, nodding in satisfaction. Yes, this is the Chenri! This is how it should be!

"Time limit is five minutes. If you can take me down within that time, I'll acknowledge your skill."

"Five minutes? Isn't that too short?"

"If you can't do it in five minutes, you won't be able to do it even if I give you a whole day."

"Ha, seriously? You think you're tough?"

How could they be so comfortable with each other already? Ian crossed his arms and took a step back.

The fact that there were no other observers was a blatant sign of disrespect. But it also gave Ian and Beric a certain advantage.

"Beric, come here."

Ziiiiing.

Ian grabbed the back of Beric's head and poured his mana into him. His golden eyes, hidden behind Beric's head, were invisible to others.

The mana activation was relatively easy, and more importantly—

"Remember what I told you. Remember it well."

—he could employ a strategy.

Su, as if wondering when they would start, picked at her ear.