Chapter 46: The Lump Called Moritz (3)

The residents of Snowfall shed tears of joy and declared they would fulfill the Prophet’s calling.

I knew their faith was devout, but I couldn’t have predicted such an unexpected response.

‘No matter what, it must be scary.’

Of course, I’m not planning to send them to the front lines where swords and spears fly, but to have them do missionary work at our own garrison.

Still, with the current state of affairs, who wouldn’t be afraid of going to the battlefield?

‘Mary, you little rascal.’

Just how did she manage to sway them to such an extent?

Recalling the scene in the reception room, the first thing that came to mind was the phrase “a group of madmen.”

I couldn’t decide if I should be pleased or worried about this.

“Status Window”

[Hor] [Lowest-Ranked Deity]

[Cult Level – 1]

– Number of Devotees -33

– Faith – 40192

– Divine Power [Devotee Appointment] [Receiving Prayer]

– Unlocked Positions – [Lowest-Ranked Evangelist] [Lowest-Ranked Paladin] [Lowest-Ranked Priest]

It’s been a week since the residents of Snowfall have stayed in Bartenberg.

Thanks to all 21 believers becoming devotees, the daily faith gathered now exceeds 3,000.

Considering the maximum devotion per devotee is 100, this was nearly the highest level of faith possible.

“At least now I feel less guilty about feeding them.”

All this time, Adele had been absorbing about a thousand faith per day, so there was never any left to accumulate.

Besides that, I had to raise the proficiency of the Holy Aura Skill.

Knock knock—

“Sir… no, Young Master. I’ve brought your breakfast.”

“Come in.”

A familiar voice came from beyond my door.

And then, a familiar scene unfolded.

“Why are you doing maid work?”

I looked at Mary, who was setting the table.

“Oh my. I am Young Master’s personal maid, after all.”

“I told you to just rest.”

“Ehehe… I guess I’m just used to it. Working feels more comfortable.”

She’s really something.

Ever since Mary returned to the Barten House, she put on her maid uniform the very next day.

“I want to take care of Young Master’s meals myself!” she had said.

“Hurry and eat before the food gets cold.”

I looked at her bright face as she turned to me.

Same place, same situation.

In the memories of the delinquent Richard, Mary always wore a fearful expression.

Now, I could feel just how much had changed since I first took over this body.

“Thanks for the meal.”

I sat at the table and nibbled at my food.

Lately, I haven’t had much of an appetite.

“Today’s finally the day. We’re setting out.”

Today, we leave the Barten House for the battlefield, to face the Undead.

My lack of appetite must be due to nerves.

But mixed in with that tension was a strange excitement and anticipation.

“Are you sure you don’t want to see your mother?”

“Um…”

Mary hesitated at my question.

“I haven’t had time because of missionary meetings… I think I’ll have to visit her after finishing this Prophet’s mission.”

“…What do you mean, missionary meetings?”

The knife I was using to slice my sausage paused mid-air.

I set it down and looked at Mary.

“You all kept gathering and whispering—were you actually having meetings?”

“Well! We needed to decide how best to do our missionary work.”

Listening to her, they really do sound admirable, but for some reason, I felt a sense of unease.

Right. Come to think of it, I’d completely forgotten something important.

“When you get there, don’t go waving flags like last time. Honestly, it doesn’t look sane.”

“Ah… ahaha! We actually talked about that in the meeting too. We decided to evangelize more quietly this time.”

“Really?”

That was unexpected. I thought as soon as they arrived at the battlefield, they’d shout, ‘Believe!’

“If we come on too strong from the start, it’ll just make people resist us. So we’ll just gradually brainwash them…”

Mary flashed a smile that looked a little dangerous.

“…Just don’t overdo it.”

“Trust me, Young Master!”

***

Richard placed the ice crown atop his head.

He draped the thick fur Ogre Cloak over his shoulders, strapped Ice Crescendo to his waist, and slung his beloved sword, Dragon Tooth, across his back.

With all preparations complete, he and Aaron stood before Gide, who was lying as if dead.

I thought he’d get up soon, but even on the day of departure, we hadn’t exchanged a word.

“Aaron, are you alright?”

“Yes.”

Despite everything, Aaron seemed quite saddened—but Richard swallowed those words.

He watched the old man for a moment before turning away.

“Let’s go.”

The Third Knight Division was already prepared and waiting for them.

There was no more time to dawdle.

Just as Richard and Aaron were about to leave the room, regret heavy in their hearts—

“Young Master? Aaron?”

A frail voice sounded from behind them.

It was unmistakably the gentle voice of the old man they remembered.

“Sir Gide!”

“Grandfather!”

The two young men quickly turned around.

“You’re finally awake!”

“Are you feeling alright?”

Gide, lying in bed, slowly blinked his eyes.

The voices of his grandson and the boy he considered a grandson rang in his ears, dazed.

Voices he thought he’d never hear again.

“How… am I still alive?”

After entering the process of tempering, he remembered nothing. He couldn’t make sense of the current situation.

“It’s a long story.”

Richard spoke to Gide, who could only stare blankly.

In truth, he wanted to scold him.

Why did you take it upon yourself to sacrifice?

Did you think I’d be happy seeing your blood-soaked Draon Heart…?

Countless words lingered on his lips but faded away.

“I’m glad you woke up before we left.”

In the end, all he could say was that he was glad.

“Leaving…? What do you mean…?”

“There’s a war against the Undead in the town below. We have to go now.”

“Grandfather, please take good care of yourself!”

It was hard to believe how precious time felt at that moment.

There were stories I wanted to share, but I couldn’t.

“Wait, please!”

As if about to depart at any moment, Gide struggled to rise from his bed.

Everything felt like a dream to him.

Like a vision one has before dying.

“You’re going to the battlefield? What do you mean?!”

Gide, who had risen in a panic, staggered.

Though his body had fully recovered, the aftereffects of tempering had left a deep impact on his mind.

At this moment, he could barely walk.

“Just lie down. You almost fell.”

The old man looked at Richard, who supported him firmly.

Since when had the Young Master grown so tall?

Only now was he starting to truly see him.

“Have I been asleep for years? How did you grow up so well?”

“No, it’s only been about two months since you fell asleep.”

“Young Master consumed the Draon Heart and has been completely reborn.”

At Aaron’s explanation, Gide’s eyes widened.

He hadn’t known just how much Richard had changed.

“You seem to have a lot of questions.”

“Could you please explain to this ignorant old man?”

“I’ll tell you on the way. Since you’re up, see us off. The Third Knight Division you once led is departing with us.”

Richard supported Gide as they walked, explaining as briefly as possible.

That his Mana Insensitivity had already been alleviated.

That Aaron, who could now use Aura, had become his direct Knight.

And that together with Gide and the Third Knight Division, they had hunted a Dragon.

“…How amazing.”

That Richard, whom everyone hated and shunned, had become a proper Bartenberg.

To Gide, it was all hard to believe.

But he had to believe it.

Because it was none other than his Young Master saying so.

“Young Master Richard is truly remarkable. Now, everyone is watching you.”

Even his own grandson, who had once felt nothing special for Richard, now wore a face full of pride as his direct Knight.

They arrived at the main gate.

“Young Master! You’re finally here… huh!”

The Third Knight Division, already fully prepared to depart, turned and caught their breath.

“Sir Gide! You’re awake?!”

Supported by Richard, Gide approached.

The Knights, shocked to see him, quickly gathered around.

Their faces showed genuine joy at the return of their former division commander.

“Polk, Jack… Third Knight Division… everyone is safe. You must have suffered because of my stubbornness. I’m sorry.”

“If you mean the Dragon hunt, it’s thanks to Young Master Richard’s efforts that we’re all unharmed!”

“Are you alright, Sir Gide?”

At their concerned questions, Gide just smiled warmly.

That alone put the Knights at ease.

“I hear you’re heading straight to the battlefield. I don’t know which one, but I can’t hold up busy men like you.”

“Just seeing you awake has lifted our spirits.”

“Please get some good rest! We’ll all return safely, I promise.”

Richard, watching the touching scene, spoke up.

“We’re out of time! Get ready to depart! “

Richard mounted his horse, the residents of Snowfall boarded two carriages, and the Third Knight Division moved in perfect order.

“Aaron, take good care of Young Master.”

“Leave it to me.”

Tap—the old man and his grandson bumped fists.

A lot was exchanged in that gesture.

“Young Master. Please return safely.”

“Of course. You eat well and get some rest, too. Next time I see you, don’t let me catch you like this. That’s an order.”

Farewells were done.

Soon, the Third Knight Division and Richard rode out the main gate.

Even as a cloud of dust rose and obscured his view, Gide leaned against the wall and watched the Young Master go.

“You’ve changed. Truly, you have.”

It was only after seeing the Young Master shining brightly among the Knights that it felt real.

The Third Knight Division’s gaze toward Richard was full of respect, and Richard also showed trust and respect for them.

“Thank you, Young Master.”

Gide bowed his head as Richard left.

It was gratitude for showing him the very sight he had so longed to see.

“Sir Gide, please come inside. Let me help you.”

A young man approached him.

“You… weren’t you a Senior Knight of the Second Order of Knights? Did you come to see Young Master off?”

“Yes! My name is Haman.”

He wasn’t the only one.

Other Knights began to gather one by one.

“Oh no! He’s already left!”

“How could he leave without a send-off ceremony!”

Soon, the main gate was filled with Knights sighing as they watched Richard depart in silence.

Some even let out heavy sighs, as if truly pained.

“Haha, Young Master Richard is certainly popular.”

“He’s now being mentioned as the next Heir Apparent, alongside Young Master Zeke.”

At Haman’s words, Gide smiled a smile that was both happy and bitter.

“I’d better recover quickly. I can only rest easy if I’m by our Young Master’s side.”