Chapter 74

Chapter 74. He Is a Human Lie Detector

No one liked being oppressed. Especially when that oppression was accompanied by physical restraint.

Balun was no different from anyone else. However, the days of house arrest, during which he could not properly go outside for several days and had to stay shut inside a room under the soldiers’ watch, did not feel all that unpleasant to him.

Because he had nothing to lose.

If he only had to stay shut inside a room for a few days to easily earn hundreds of gold, what was there to dislike?

Besides, it was not as though there was nothing to do while shut inside the room. He could simply spend all day training his Mana Cultivation and doing bodyweight exercises to his heart’s content.

Eat, sleep, shit, and train. After spending what must have been about five days living like a training machine,

“Hey, Barbarian. The mayor has ordered you to come out.”

“Can I finally see the dancing bald dog?”

“What are you talking about? Just come out.”

His house arrest was finally lifted.

Someone had arrived from the Great Castle of Rotenfeld.

When he followed the soldier to the guard station, he saw a Knight standing beside the mayor.

Coincidentally, it was a familiar face.

‘George?’

Why are you here?

“Ah! He is here! Sir Knight! That is him! That is the barbarian who stole Rotenfeld’s token! Barbarian! You are dead. Prepare to be punished severely! How dare you lie! Did you think you could say anything just because you had a mouth?”

Elliot was talking triumphantly, but that triumph did not last very long. For some reason, the Knight’s mood did not seem ordinary.

It would have been normal for him to become angry, so why was he smiling when he saw the barbarian? As though he was pleased to see him.

After meeting Balun’s eyes as if exchanging a silent greeting, he soon turned his head and spoke to the mayor.

“Mr. Mayor, Balun is not the shameless barbarian you described. He is a Warrior acknowledged by my Liege, and he is the benefactor who saved the life of our Young Master Heinrich. To think you detained such a person. Frankly, I am not pleased.”

“Ah, th-that.”

“I would appreciate it if you released Balun. My Liege would have said the same thing I have said.”

“U-understood. We will do so.”

The mayor nodded with a stiff expression, and Oskal, the mage in a red robe standing behind him, had a strange gleam in his eyes. He stared intently at Balun, stroked his chin, and began having a close conversation with his fellow mage.

Meanwhile, Elliot’s expression had completely rotted.

‘This is bad. This is completely bad. To think he really was connected to Rotenfeld.’

He squeezed his eyes shut. He had never imagined it, even in his dreams. He had thought it was impossible, yet that impossible thing had become reality.

Rotenfeld’s anger? That did not matter. They would not say much over something like this. They would be angry, but they had followed the proper procedures, and there was not exactly any pretext.

The truly big problem was that he had blustered so loudly at Balun.

“You promised, did you not? That you would give me massive compensation.”

“Ah, that is.”

“You also have to strip, dance, and bark like a dog. You did not forget, did you? Of course you could not have forgotten. We even wrote a contract.”

“Oh, Warrior! Please let me off just this once!”

Elliot rushed straight to Balun and prostrated himself flat on the ground.

“I did not do it for that reason! I merely did it in order to follow a reasonable procedure!”

Balun chuckled and shook Elliot off. What was he doing now, after all this?

“I do not need such excuses. What does it matter now? You only need to fulfill what you promised. First, the compensation money.”

“Barbar—no, Sir Balun! Please let me off just this once! Please!”

Stop making a fuss and do what you promised.

“Now, hurry. Strip and dance. You have to do it in front of everyone. I look forward to seeing what kind of dance you perform. The mayor has not forgotten either, has he? You do not need to dance, but you do have to pay money. A contract must be fulfilled. Right?”

“Th-that is true. Ngh.”

The mayor clutched his forehead. There was no disaster quite like this. How had things turned out this way?

“I was had. I was completely had.”

He squeezed his eyes shut. He realized he had been had by Balun. He had fallen completely into the trap. And a Barbarian’s trap, at that.

Fortunately, thanks to Balun’s consideration, he had preserved his honor and dignity. However, he had to pay money. His precious money.

“You madman. This happened because of you, did it not?”

“Why are you blaming me? You were the one who ordered his arrest, Mr. Mayor!”

“Even so, you little……!”

“Oh, Sir Balun. Please let me off just this once. I will give you more money, so please, anything but stripping and dancing. I will do anything. Truly!”

‘No. Absolutely not. I am making you do it no matter what.’

He did not care even if Elliot offered more money.

He was too detestable to let off.

“Now, let us go! Hurry and follow me! We are doing it right away!”

“Aaagh! I do not want to!”

“Do you need time to prepare yourself mentally? If that is the case, I can give you time. It certainly will not be easy.”

“Sniff, Sir Balun. No, Brother, please…….”

“Brother? My father is probably younger than you. Stop saying strange things and prepare yourself.”

“Waaah!”

Balun dragged Elliot along as he wailed.

The two mages in red robes were watching Balun from a distance.

Soon, they conversed without anyone noticing.

Their voices rode along mana and secretly slipped into each other’s ears.

-I think I finally know who that Barbarian is.

-Who is he?

-Do you remember the relic expedition led by Heinrich of Rotenfeld?

-The expedition that uncovered the Black Tower’s plot, is it not? How could I not know it?

-The greatest contributor to that expedition was that very Barbarian. He blocked the Black Moon’s attack and saved Heinrich’s life.

-Ah, the one called the hero of that expedition? You are saying that savage is him?

-That is correct. Seeing how even the Sword of Rotenfeld is protecting him to that extent, it seems certain. From what I heard, he has received Count Rotenfeld’s favor in full.

-I did hear a rumor that Count Rotenfeld was coveting some mercenary. I did not know it would be a Barbarian, though.

-What should we do?

-It would not be bad to test him once.

-Yes. Then I will entrust him with the work.

***

“Woof! Woof, woof! Woof!”

Out of nowhere, the sound of a dog barking—no, the sound of a person barking—was echoing through Mirehal’s streets. Balun watched the scene from a distance and shook his head.

‘Wow. How is he going to live with his head held high after this?’

Since he had shown that ugly sight to people, he would not be able to hold his head up anymore. It was practically social suicide.

The only fortunate thing was that there were not many people on the streets. The goblin attack had been fully repelled, but the atmosphere in the city was still unsettled, and many people were shut inside their homes.

Besides, this was not something he would be doing for long. They had agreed that he would do it for exactly ten minutes.

Of course, ten minutes was not exactly a short time.

“Barbarian. Thank you, truly, thank you. If I had suffered such humiliation…… Just imagining it is horrifying.”

The mayor kept bowing his head to Balun again and again. He had given Balun as much as 500 gold, but he showed no sign of anger. Rather, his expression was one of gratitude.

“If you were angered in any way, I hope you will understand generously.”

“I am not angry. Balun has already received compensation money. Then that is the end of it. There is no reason for us to be hostile.”

“Then that is a relief.”

“In truth, the mayor did nothing wrong. The mayor simply did what he had to do. If there is someone suspicious, you must arrest him. That is how public order is maintained. Is that not so?”

“Thank you for understanding. I am tired, so I should go inside. I hope you have a comfortable stay in Mirehal. Then I will take my leave.”

After saying that, the mayor went to his residence with tired eyes. George glanced at his back, then grinned.

“That man Emil looks as if he aged ten years.”

“Emil? Is that the mayor’s name?”

“Yes. Emil Graf. He is a man of the Graf Family, which leads the Graf Trading Company. He is a merchant famous for being a miser.”

“A merchant?”

“Yes. Before becoming mayor, he was a merchant. The Graf Family itself is a merchant family. They are quite famous.”

“I see.”

“Since that terrible cheapskate spent 500 gold, he probably will not even be able to sleep properly.”

Balun nodded. No wonder the man had looked so sickly.

“By the way, I should get going now.”

“You are leaving already?”

“I have to. My work here is done.”

George looked up at the sky. The sunset was descending.

“What a waste of time.”

“I volunteered to come in the first place so I could see you. I have seen your face now, so that is enough.”

“How did you know it was me?”

“That much is obvious. A Barbarian carrying Rotenfeld’s token? Who else could it be but you?”

Balun scratched his head. Was that how it worked?

“Why not have a drink before you go?”

“I would like to, but I need to return quickly. I received a mission.”

“A mission?”

“Yes. I have to go to Dunmore.”

“Why are you going there?”

“A report came in that the Valtrien bastards have planted their rats again. I have to catch the rats.”

“I see.”

George whipped his head around, then quietly spoke to Balun so others could not hear.

“The kingdom’s situation is not ordinary. The Valtrien bastards are openly moving their troops. They have pressed their forces right up against the border. If our current guess is correct, they will invade in spring. There really is not much time left.”

“Ugh, then I need to learn Stealth quickly and run.”

For reference, it was currently February.

“What?”

“Nothing. Keep talking.”

“When the weather warms, we will begin recruiting mercenaries in earnest. It will probably become a field of opportunity. A chance to make your name known.”

George stared intently at Balun. His gaze was quite serious.

“Balun. You are far too undervalued right now. Your name may have become somewhat known around Pordel, but many people still do not know you. They do not know that incredible ability of yours. I do not think that should be the case.”

Bang!

George slammed his fist on the table.

‘Damn it, that startled me.’

Why was he suddenly accelerating like that?

“What do you think? Does your chest not boil? Do you not want to make your name known? I am asking if you do not want to make your value known.”

“No, I do not really…….”

“Balun. Stand on the battlefield with me.”

George’s eyes shone.

“I am not asking you to become a Knight. Stand on the battlefield as a mercenary and receive proper pay. Crush those damned dogs of Valtrien and make your reputation. Does that not sound good?”

“It does not.”

“Why does it not sound good?”

“Because I do not particularly want to do it.”

“You are wrong. You do want to.”

No, I really do not.

“I do not know why you say you will not do it, but do not reject the cry of your subconscious. It will only torment you.”

“It is fine. I am not tormented.”

“Is that true?”

“It is true.”

“Tsk. I failed to persuade you.”

Balun realized why George had come all this way.

‘He came here from the start to persuade me.’

Sorry, but there was no chance he would be persuaded.

“Fine. I will give up cleanly. I am leaving.”

“Travel carefully.”

“Yes. Ah, right. Where is your Dark Emperor Horse?”

Balun’s head automatically tilted.

“What is that?”

“Your horse. The large, dignified, and splendid black horse.”

“Ah, do you mean Blackie? Blackie is in the stable.”

“Blackie? Why that name?”

“Because I named him that.”

“How strange. I was certain it was the Dark Emperor Horse.”

‘Man, that is the name you came up with.’

Why was he trying to ruin a horse’s life?

What would he do if the other horses made fun of him?

“Well, it does not matter. I am leaving. Let us meet on the battlefield.”

“Uh. Sure…… No, I am not meeting you on the battlefield. I will see you somewhere that is not a battlefield. Hey, George? George!”

Balun called out, but George had already mounted his horse and ridden away.

On George’s receding back, Balun thought he glimpsed the corners of his mouth rising faintly.

***

After parting with George, Balun immediately headed to the center of Mirehal. He had an appointment to keep.

Beside the shopping district, where shops were densely packed and touting was happening all the time, there was an area surrounded by a fence on a broad plot of land. Inside that area, a red spire could be seen rising high into the sky.

‘It looks really intense. The feeling is completely different from the Blue Magic Tower.’

The Red Magic Tower, Mirehal Branch.

It looked as though it might blaze fiercely at any moment.

When Balun entered, two gatekeepers stopped him.

They held spears, but their attire was different from that of the guards. It seemed they were private soldiers hired by the Red Magic Tower.

“Who are you?”

“Balun. I came here after receiving an invitation from Mage Oskal.”

“Please wait a moment.”

One of the gatekeepers went inside, then returned one minute later.

“It has been confirmed. Follow me. The mage is waiting for you.”

Balun followed one of the gatekeepers into the spire.

As he admired the interior and atmosphere, which were similar to yet different from the Blue Magic Tower’s, he moved to a reception room. There, the mage he had met before welcomed him.

Mage Oskal. The very mage who had confirmed that Balun’s token was genuine.

He was the person who had asked to meet Balun.

“You have come, Sir Balun. First, congratulations. You have cleared yourself of false accusations.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, please sit here. Would you like a cup of tea? Or perhaps alcohol?”

“I will have tea. Anything will do.”

“Yes.”

Oskal quickly poured him tea.

The tea had a refreshing taste, and Balun knew a flavor very similar to this tea.

‘Oh, it is yuzu tea.’

It was yuzu tea, yes, but yuzu tea without the bits in it?

“I came here, but why did you call me? I think you said you had something to propose.”

“First, why not finish your tea and talk a little? The night is deep. We also have a spare room, so we can let you stay here.”

“I think it would be better to finish the conversation first and drink tea afterward.”

At Balun’s direct words, Oskal smiled awkwardly.

“You are very straightforward.”

“It is more comfortable to get work out of the way first. No matter how you look at it.”

In truth, Balun felt a little uncomfortable.

Because he was friendly with the Blue Magic Tower.

What would he do if they tried to harm him because he was close to the Blue Magic Tower?

“Yes. If that is the case, I will tell you. Before that, there is one thing I would like to ask. May I?”

“What is it?”

Oskal stared intently at Balun and asked, “Sir Balun, are you perhaps a minion of the Black Tower?”

“What?”

At the completely unexpected words, Balun’s face filled with disbelief.

“Is that supposed to be a question?”

“I apologize. I know it is rude, but we had no choice. We had to confirm it.”

“Can you even confirm that? If I said yes, would you accept it as yes?”

“To some extent, yes.”

“I am not a minion of the Black Tower.”

A brief silence fell.

Oskal looked into Balun’s eyes.

His eyes gleamed blue for a moment, then the light faded.

“Yes. I understand.”

At the weak answer, Balun laughed in disbelief.

“You believe me?”

“Yes.”

“This is absurd.”

“There was no change in your eyes, your mouth, your facial expression, or anything else. It means you were not lying.”

“You are a human lie detector.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing.”

The world was too frightening to lie in.

Were all mages like this?

“So, what did you want to say? The main point.”

“I would like to propose a request. Work with us on one task. We will pay you generously. Enough to satisfy you.”

“What kind of task is it?”

“I can tell you that only after you accept.”

“Then I refuse. See you next time.”

Balun stood without hesitation.

Oskal’s expressionless face broke.