Second Intermission (7)
While guiding the refugees and heading toward the city to replenish supplies, the hunting team seemed to be on edge.
I occasionally felt their glances, likely because the "talking monster" specifically demanded me… but Raul's scolding to not slack off and Leonardo's indifferent attitude toward me balanced things out, preventing any major commotion.
During our journey to the city, there were no attacks from the nameless creatures. No, if anything, they seemed to have vanished.
'Well, that makes sense.'
They probably saw the moment when I dealt with the serpent using a force they couldn't handle. These creatures are quick when it comes to survival, so I don't think they'd approach until they figure out how to counter it. I also intentionally showed off a bit with that in mind.
'Don't mess around with any evolution nonsense, and stay quiet until the intermission is over.'
I propped my chin up, recalling the dry, scaly texture I had felt with my hand.
The silence seemed to suggest that the warning had worked. After all, they knew nothing about my
Feeling a bit of relief, I leaned slightly toward Leonardo. Since the supply wagon carrying people had become heavier, the pack animals were struggling, so he willingly lent me his horse.
As a result, his impressive black steed, which would normally carry him, was now pulling a large wagon shaped like a giant loaf of bread, and Leonardo was sitting next to us during the journey.
For me, this was a good thing.
After all, I had already decided not to waste time avoiding Leonardo the previous night. Instead, I adjusted my approach. I wouldn't keep my distance but would instead keep a close watch on him.
It seemed better to stay close to him, keeping his attention away from unnecessary thoughts. Leonardo, satisfied with the change in my behaviour after several days, sat closer to me. For a moment, I wondered if the reason he willingly gave up his horse for someone else was because of this…
But then I dismissed it as mere speculation.
'Well, he's a good guy after all.'
It seemed unlikely that he would prefer to sit crammed together on the coachman's seat rather than comfortably riding on his own horse.
I glanced at the people huddled in the supply wagon before asking Leonardo.
"Do you think the city will take in the villagers? When winter comes, people's attitudes tend to grow colder."
"I heard the lord of that city is a vassal of the Ertinez family. They'll likely accept them without much trouble. The attitude might shift a little depending on their supply situation, though."
After passing a few ridgelines, a vast field in the peak of harvest season began to come into view.
Farmers were gathering bundles of golden wheat and raking them together. The small buildings in the distance honestly looked more like a village than a city.
Raul, who had been riding with one leg bent in a rather awkward posture, whistled.
"A good harvest."
Soon, the guards who had spotted the hunting party approached, and Leonardo, as the representative, stepped forward to engage in various discussions. The procession smoothly passed through the stone wall surrounding the city.
When the wagon passed under an arched gate, I braced myself for a moment, but unlike other cities we had entered, no scripted event or message appeared.
'Looks like this place isn't part of the stage.'
Shortly after, the lord, dressed in thick leather garments, came out to greet our group.
"Ah, Lord Ertinez! I received word from the Count in advance. It's truly an honour that you're participating in the leap year great hunt."
However, the lord's expression seemed slightly uncomfortable. Leonardo glanced at the villagers before asking if there was a problem. The lord cleared his throat before speaking.
"There's no issue with accepting the refugees. It's already getting cold, and with a shortage of hands, they will all be welcomed. Of course, your party, who must be weary from camping, should also rest comfortably. However, it's somewhat… cramped at my estate at the moment."
At that moment, some farmers passing by glanced at the group and murmured.
"More guests on horseback? This is the third time already. When did this town become so popular?"
The lord awkwardly added an explanation.
"This town is located at the crossroads leading to the Vernis Mountains, and it's one of the best agricultural regions. Because of that, there have been others coming for similar reasons."
Just then, a person who seemed quite familiar appeared behind the lord. A man with a long face and deeply set eyes, giving off a sharp impression, walked toward us with an air of arrogance. His features were somewhat rat-like.
"Hmm. Are these also participants in the leap year great hunt? This is going to be quite crowded."
I couldn't help but be taken aback, my mouth falling open in surprise.
The face I had seen long ago in Sinistra, the minor villain who almost hit Vittorio with a carriage during his first appearance and was later used as bait to lure Count Bermont, was none other than Lord Lopez.
What was more startling than his unexpected reappearance was the conversation that followed.
"Ah, Lord Lopez. This is Lord Ertinez—"
"I'd appreciate it if you corrected that. It's Count Bermont! What was going on here?"
[Viewing information.]
Rank – Minor Character (Scenario Weight: 4.90%)
Role – Count Bermont (Previously: Viscount Lopez)
Script – [Third son of the Bermont family. He harbours a sense of inferiority toward his older brother, who inherited the head of the family position, and has a strong disdain for commoners.]
[He was involved in a plan to exhume the corpse of Leovald with the late Count Bermont's cooperation, but after encountering suspicious dark forces, he contemplates betrayal.]
[After the previous Count Bermont mysteriously disappears, he seizes the position he coveted.]
Dialogue – None
At that moment, Leonardo spoke up with a quiet remark, "It seems that Count Bermont didn't have any legitimate heirs. He must have taken his deceased brother's position."
"Ah."
I recalled the end of Count Bermont, which often appeared in my nightmares. He had been consumed by one of his subordinates and briefly became the vessel for Godric, only to later come after us in a monstrous form. In the end, he met his demise at the hands of Leonardo's sword and Orlie's spear.
After that, there was nothing to worry about, so I hadn't thought much about it. We had left Sinistra in such a hurry, and I naturally hadn't cared about the aftermath regarding Lopez.
'Well, he was just a minor character who appeared briefly in Sinistra.'
[Accessing archive: Retrieving previous information.][Viewing information.]
Role – Viscount Lopez (Changed to: Count Bermont)
Rank: Minor Character (Scenario weight 4.90%)
Script:
[Third son of the Count of Bermont. He harbours feelings of inferiority toward his older brother, who inherited the headship of the family, and despises commoners.]
[Visits Sinistra City with the goal of retrieving the corpse of Leonardo Ertinez.]
[Provides Baron Roald with a clue regarding the whereabouts of 'Leonardo Ertinez'.]
[Uses the joint investment in the trading port as an excuse to secretly send his subordinates to search the underground waterways.]
[Delivers the body of Leovald to the Count of Bermont.]
[Fails to burn the Count of Bermont's confidential letter and, instead, keeps it hidden. He is eventually caught and killed by the Count, his death ruled as an accident.]
Looking at the comparison, it becomes clearer. It's definitely changed. Of course, I knew that the information of existing characters could be altered, since I had checked before and even Vittorio's profile had been updated. And I, too, had transformed from an extra into a suspicious innkeeper, and later into Isaac.
My gaze suddenly shifted back to Lopez' new profile. The paragraph that read, "after encountering suspicious dark forces, he contemplates betrayal."
It seems Lopez' script has taken a significant turn here. It appears his role has been cleaned up and recycled as a minor character for Act 3. I hope this doesn't introduce any major plot-altering variables.
The lord spread his arms as if to offer a warm welcome to Leonardo.
"Please, come inside. There may not be enough rooms, though."
As my initial surprise faded, my mind started to work.
Hmm, there's plenty to blackmail with. I've already figured out his personality. This is perfect for taking advantage of him.
Raul, who had been eyeing Lopez with disdain and smirking, suddenly noticed me and flinched, his shoulders trembling.
"What's with that ominous look?"
"Not again… This is truly unfair," I muttered.
"Yeah, I guess… I don't know what it is, but I really hope it has nothing to do with me. Please."
Raul recoiled, stepping back in distaste.
Shortly after, as the hunting party entered the lord's mansion, another new figure appeared. This time, it wasn't someone who had simply returned with a new name.
"Well, looks like I have some unexpected company."
"Your Grace, Duke Marchez."
'Oh, a duke.'
In a fantasy setting, a duke is a high-ranking noble. Naturally, their role and significance are likely to be substantial.
As I prepared for the intermission to transition into Act 3, I figured this might be a segment to explore the characters introduced so far, scanning the newcomer.
Standing before us was a man with light brown hair and a somewhat stiff expression. His sun-darkened skin suggested he had spent a lot of time outdoors, and at first glance, he gave off a warrior-like aura. Could he be of the same caliber as Count Ertinez?
'He looks younger, though.'
The poor landlord, overwhelmed by the presence of so many high-ranking nobles, looked as though he might collapse from stress. His face was so tense that he seemed to have forgotten his duty to introduce Leonardo to Duke Marchez as the host of the house.
At that moment, a scholarly young man with monocles stepped out from behind Duke Marchez and whispered something to him. Only then did the Duke briefly turn to Leonardo and offer a greeting.
"Ah, Lord Ertinez, is it? A pleasure to meet you."
The good news was that I had gained the opportunity to gather information about a character who would appear in the next act.
The bad news was…
The name "Marchez" appeared on the thick ledger that recorded those who had either merged with or met their end like Count Ertinez' wife, under the scheming of King Godric. The entry read as follows:
…Well, I thought, maybe I should take a more positive view. This was my chance to figure out whether he was that individual, or perhaps a brainwashed faction loyal to the king.
Without hesitation, I focused my gaze directly on Duke Marchez.
[Accessing information of the designated entity.]
And unfortunately, it was revealed that the person before me was not Duke Marchez after all.
[Viewing information.]
[Role – Shadow Stand-In for the Duke]
That being said, he wasn't someone who had been subjugated by Godric either.