Chapter 75: Kataka Gorge

"From here on, it's the Malta Territory. I must turn back now."

The coachman bowed politely.

"You've worked hard."

Rohan handed the coachman a generous payment.

As the coachman turned the carriage around and left, the two men and two Elphirians took in the scene unfolding before them.

"Wow, that's majestic."

Shakan let out a whistle, raising his head.

No wonder—what awaited them ahead was a sheer, towering cliff, as if it had been sliced by a blade.

"You have to give up on comfort to enter the North."

No carriage could ever make it through this natural fortress.

That was because, between the cliffs, only a narrow path wide enough for a single horse existed.

The reason the interior cliffs had never been cut, unlike the outside, was due to the fierce opposition of the northern high nobles.

Historically, whenever civil war broke out or a great crisis befell the nation, the Emperor would flee to the North.

The Malta Territory in the North was shielded above and below by cliffs, making it an excellent defensive position.

To cross the cliffs, one had to pass through a narrow corridor, where enemy troops would easily be slaughtered.

The reason they chose such a treacherous path, even though it was impassable by carriage, was that it was the only shortcut to Silvaren.

Otherwise, they would have to pass through the Gerald Territory and take a long detour northeast, which would take too much time.

So, the two humans and two Elphirians made their way between the cliffs.

"I feel eyes on us."

Retina, sensitive as ever, perked up her ears and scanned the surroundings.

The path was lined with cliffs that barely let in sunlight.

But her senses clearly picked up presences nearby.

"Northern soldiers possess extraordinary abilities. I don't know exactly how they manage this entryway."

You could trust no one. Not even your own side.

That was the firm creed of the northern high nobles.

Thus, they never shared military information.

"They act independently. They're in the Empire, but to be honest, it's almost like a different country."

Thus, the Duke of Malta was like a king here.

"Intruders, reveal yourselves!"

As they reached a clearing, a thunderous voice echoed out.

The voice, ringing like a bell, made it impossible to tell where it had originated.

"We've come to see the Duke of Malta."

Rohan produced the pass he kept in his breast pocket.

"I, Rohan Schubert, formally request permission to enter the Malta Territory."

A moment of silence passed.

Step, step, step!

Accompanied by the clank of armor, a squad emerged into view.

"Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince."

The foremost figure bowed as their representative.

"May I ask the reason for your visit without prior notice?"

"I have urgent business to discuss with the Duke of Malta."

"Could it be... because of the missing Kajin Fabian?"

The knight questioned sharply, and Rohan nodded silently.

"Open the gates!"

The knight shouted, and a rumbling sound echoed from afar as the gate opened.

"Please, follow me."

With disciplined steps, the knight led the group onward.

Thus they entered the northern Malta Territory.

The biting winter wind numbed their faces, making them huddle in on themselves.

A truly barren land.

That the Duke of Malta could build a civilization and maintain the lives of his people in such a place—he was truly a remarkable man.

"Who are they?"

"Their clothes aren't from around here."

The territory's people eyed the visitors with curiosity.

How long did they walk?

At the very center of the territory, a temple-like building came into view.

The knight led them there.

"The Duke is waiting inside."

Before the door leading to the Duke's quarters, the knight bowed once more.

"Please, surrender all weapons to avoid any impropriety."

Rohan nodded in response, locking eyes with the knight, while Martin quietly disarmed himself.

"We'll wait outside."

Retina and Shakan, hoods drawn low, did not take another step.

"Let's go in."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The door opened, and as they walked down a long, cold corridor, the central hall came into view.

On the walls were murals, clearly ancient and dignified.

Curiously, despite the Duke's high rank, there was not a single sign of luxury here.

The same went for the Duke's own chamber.

Upon the black and gray marble floor sat a large chair.

Seated atop it was the ruler of the North—the Duke of Malta, smiling down at them.

He soon rose from his seat and approached Rohan.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince Rohan Schubert. I did not expect to see you again so soon."

His voice was deep, resonant.

His eyes were sharp, his long white hair was tied back, and across his black military uniform, a snow leopard pelt—the symbol of the North—was draped over his shoulders.

Though the chamber was almost barren, his presence filled every corner.

"Duke of Malta, my apologies for coming unannounced."

"On the contrary, I am delighted to receive such an honored guest."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"Please, be seated."

He gestured to a chair.

"I take it you're here to search for the fugitive Kajin Fabian?"

"You saw through me."

The Duke laughed heartily.

"Some of my northern soldiers have noticed unusual activity. It may be related to Kajin Fabian, so I've already ordered my scouts to investigate."

"Is that true?"

Rohan's eyes widened.

"Where? Could it be near the Raolacis Kingdom..."

"Silvaren."

"What?"

"More precisely, where Raolacis, the North, and Silvaren meet—the Kataka Gorge."

"...!"

Rohan drew a sharp breath.

"If it's there..."

"Yes, Your Highness, you know as well as I do. No one can set foot in that place."

"Even if there are traces, the odds of survival are almost nonexistent."

In a way, it was the most excellent place to choose.

‘Of course, assuming he's still alive.’

The sheer cliffs meant instant death if you fell.

Even if you survived, drinking the water within was as good as swallowing poison, and the walls were so hard that not even tools could help you climb out.

In other words, it was a place no human could possibly enter.

But...

"The odds are low, but not zero. There are signs of people going in and out several times."

"I see."

Rohan too believed Kajin Fabian might still be alive.

To choose death by entering such a place himself?

That wasn't like him at all.

"Something's going on..."

The Duke nodded at Rohan's muttered words.

"Our scouts are also checking to see if there might be another passage."

He spread out a map of the North on the table.

"The first signs were discovered here."

"This is the largest entrance to the gorge, isn't it?"

"That's right. You can enter, but once you go beyond the cliff inside, there's no way out. Or so everyone thought."

He pointed to another spot with his finger.

"But we found unique footprints here as well—the same as the first ones."

"So someone went into the gorge and came out this way."

"Yes, and we've found similar tracks several more times since. So, our conclusion is, these aren't just the marks of foolhardy travelers."

"Hmm."

Rohan stroked his chin.

The Duke of Malta was a seasoned man.

If even he believed these traces to be Kajin Fabian's, then it was all but certain.

His northern soldiers were not only highly skilled, but also exceptionally loyal.

"Are your scouts in the gorge now?"

"Yes, they should be. Why do you ask, Your Highness?"

"Call them back immediately."

"What? But, why—"

"It may not be just Kajin Fabian in there. Your soldiers could be in danger..."

Just then—

"Duke!"

Someone burst in, breathless.

"I'm in the middle of a private audience with His Highness. What business is so urgent that you barge in unannounced?"

The Duke's face darkened in displeasure.

"T-the thing is..."

The man who had rushed in stammered, his face pale as a sheet.

"A-all scouts who went to investigate the Kataka Gorge have gone missing!"

"What?"

Bang!

The Duke of Malta slammed the table and leapt to his feet.

"What do you mean? Speak clearly!"

He grabbed the reporting soldier by the collar and shouted.

Trembling, the man managed to answer.

"T-the, um, the courier who went to deliver supplies—he said the scouts' trail vanished completely..."

"Where?"

"A-at the entrance to the gorge... only the remains of a campfire were left!"

"Damn!"

The Duke let go of the man's collar and ground his teeth.

"There's no way those experienced men just fell into the gorge and died. Were they attacked?"

He suppressed his anger and turned to Rohan.

"I apologize for such an incident occurring while you are here, Your Highness. I must go to the gorge immediately."

"I will go with you."

"Your Highness?"

His eyes widened slightly.

"It could be dangerous."

"I'm not concerned. Don't worry about my safety—let's go together."

"...Understood. Prepare the soldiers at once!"

"Yes, my lord!"

The Duke's fortress became a flurry of activity.

Rohan went out at once to find Retina and Shakan.

"The scouts who were tracking Kajin Fabian's trail have disappeared."

"Disappeared?"

Retina's eyes narrowed.

"Where did they find the tracks?"

"Kataka Gorge."

"...!"

Retina and Shakan exchanged glances.

"Even we Elphirians avoid that place."

"So, that infamous spot is where his traces were found? Hah. As I always say, he's not just a regular madman."

As the two chimed in, Rohan let out a small sigh.

"The scouts here aren't ordinary men. But if the tracks really do belong to Kajin Fabian... then as we expected, he's not alone."

"Could he have secretly taken some of his own soldiers, Your Highness?"

At Martin's question, Rohan shook his head.

"At least, not Schubert soldiers. When the treason was uncovered, all his closest aides and troops were arrested, and the central government is watching closely."

If I had to guess...

"If he does have soldiers with him, they're probably from Raolacis."

But, as yet, nothing was certain.

"In any case, we're heading to the gorge with the Duke, so let's go together."

Perhaps, sooner than expected, they would face Kajin.

'This time, when we meet—I will kill you, Kajin.'

Rohan's fist clenched tightly.