The Northern Grand Duke’s Crazy Son-in-Law

20. Each Room

“Nimiral-.”

Carat of the 1st Battalion uttered a harsh curse and twisted the reins. The horse kicked the ground roughly, and its eyes widened.

Adrianna was moving forward relentlessly in the lead.

The fact that Adrianna, who was always calm, was moving so hastily-. The seriousness of the situation was evident.

The other members of the 1st Battalion were also holding the reins without saying much. Only the sound of horseshoes echoed through the desolate snowy mountain.

How long did they run like that-.

Adrianna stopped her horse as if she were sliding. To stop so cleanly from that fast speed-. It was truly a famous horse.

‘Is this it?’

Carat drew the spear she had next to her horse. The other members also drew their weapons without a word. A sense of tension rose.

Just then-.

“Damian, stop eating.”

“It’s tasteless.”

“Then why do you keep eating it?”

“I’m hungry.”

A babble of voices could be heard from somewhere.

The battalion’s march came to an abrupt halt at the sound of the peaceful conversation.

‘They were waiting for us!’

Carrot gave a silent cheer. Well, it would have been better if they had missed us altogether.

However, the scene beyond Adrianna was different from what she had expected.

Those who had been standing around the fire were now sitting down, chatting away. A soldier appeared to be grilling meat, and everyone was sitting around him.

Everyone froze, their weapons looked pale in the peaceful atmosphere.

“Ah, you’re finally here.”

The special forces captain stood up and waved. He was wearing a neat uniform, no different from before.

“Are you safe?”

“As you can see.”

“Where are the demons?”

At Adrianna’s question, the special forces captain pointed to one side. Adrianna drew her sword and headed towards the cave.

“We’ve taken care of them all. You don’t listen to the end.”

The special forces captain spoke urgently, but Adrianna had already entered the cave.

Carrot followed Adrianna into the cave.

The cave was in shambles. Flesh and blood were splattered everywhere, and the stench of demons filled the air.

‘The earth dog wasn’t lying.’

Suddenly, Carrot noticed something strange about the corpses.

‘Fire? Magic?’

The earth dog couldn’t have just been burned by fire, so it must have been traces of magic. She had thought that magicians were just loudmouth braggarts, but she had been surprised.

The cave was filled with the corpses of earth dogs. There were at least ten of them.

At the end of the cave was a huge corpse.

It was completely burned, with only charred flesh remaining, but Carrot could tell that it was the body of at least an intermediate-level demon.

‘It was burned to death. Demons use magic on demons?’

Magic was the filth of demons. How could filth harm its master?

“We killed the demons with magic.”

Someone muttered, and everyone nodded. They weren’t stupid enough to deny it in the face of such evidence.

“Is that possible?”

“The evidence is right before our eyes.”

“Now that you mention it, there are a lot of sword marks. This is Sir Gilbert’s sword.”

“The sword marks are all shallow. The direct cause was clearly the magician.”

It soon became a noisy affair. The topic, of course, was magic.

No one denied that a magician had killed the demons.

“The remaining members will collect the bodies of the earth dogs.”

Everyone nodded at Adrianna’s command.

Carat followed Adrianna out of the cave.

They were still sitting around the fire, chatting noisily.

“Wow.”

Carat headed towards Gilbert to investigate.

“Hey, Gilbert. You did a great job. Sixteen earth dogs, two wizards, and an intermediate-level demon. You’ve gotten stronger since the last time I saw you.”

Gilbert smiled wryly at Carat’s words.

“I didn’t catch them. The captain did.”

She had guessed as much, but hearing it directly was different.

“The captain of the special forces?”

“Yes, I just stalled for time.”

“You’re a wizard?”

“He’s a very capable wizard.”

“Damn. A real wizard caught the demon?”

“Yes.”

Carat suddenly recalled a story that she had heard in passing.

It was a rumor that she had naturally thought was false. But seeing the current situation, she couldn’t help but ask.

“Then is the rumor true that the captain of the special forces defeated Herman?”

“Yes, he defeated him in one blow.”

“Fuck, really?”

Her mind became complicated by Gilbert’s nod.

“Well, that bastard is a pervert who doesn’t even wear a coat because he’s so shameless.”

Of course, not all wizards are weak. Carat nodded.

“He seems strong.”

“Yes, he is.”

Carat squinted at Gilbert’s serious answer. For the prideful Gilbert to speak like that. What on earth had he seen?

‘Equal to or stronger than Gilbert.’

Carat continued to write. Unlike his rough speech, his handwriting was elegant. Carat finished the report roughly and scratched her head.

“A five-member special force caught at least one intermediate-level demon, sixteen earth dogs, and two wizards. And the demon was caught by a wizard from the empire. Fuck, who would believe this.”

Carat handed the report to Gilbert and advised him.

“You’d better take credit for it. There are a lot of bastards who would slander you if they found out you were a wizard.”

“It’s fine. How much would I be teased?”

Carat snickered at Gilbert’s resolute answer.

“Yeah, a capable wizard would stand out quickly. Even if they try to sabotage you now. Can they cover the sky with their palms? Rather, you’ll be able to use it as a justification later.”

“Are you saying the same thing as our captain?”

“How dare you compare me to a man. That’s disrespectful to a lady.”

“A lady?”

“Gilbert, your tone has gotten quite rude.”

Gilbert pursed his lips. Carat considered hitting him for being so annoying but held back.

Gilbert turned his head slightly.

There, the captain of the special forces was talking to Adrianna.

If Adrianna’s expressionless face made it impossible to know her feelings, the man had a relaxed smile.

“Surprisingly, they match well.”

Caret added a personal opinion below.

****

“Are you feeling well?”

To Adrianne’s casual question, Galahad nodded.

“I’m doing okay.”

“You could have waited for support.”

“But we’re opening guests.”

Adrianne furrowed her eyebrows slightly. Upon closer inspection, she seemed to be troubled.

“Ah, I see. You were using the first mission as an analogy for the opening. That was a great analogy.”

Adrianne replied seriously.

‘I guess I shouldn’t joke with this woman.’

Galahad muttered quietly.

“Then how did you find the cave?”

“The mana concentration was unusually high. I followed it, and-“

Click. Galahad pointed to the cave behind him.

“How did you know the mana concentration was high?”

It was a question closer to a consultation than an interrogation.

“Because I’m a wizard. Wizards can tell.”

“Oh, because you’re a wizard.”

“You look disappointed.”

“Recently, traces of demons associated with wizards have been found in various places in the North. I thought that if I could figure it out, I might be able to respond better.”

“Can’t you figure it out?”

“Oh, I’m not a wizard.”

Was she joking? But looking at Adrianne’s serious face, it didn’t seem like a joke.

“Don’t you have the ability to burn mana? It should feel different depending on the concentration.”

“Feeling?”

“When you burn mana, there are different levels, right? You can figure it out with that.”

Adrianne furrowed her eyebrows slightly. She seemed to be thinking.

Galahad had also said it theoretically.

The nature of burning mana was as natural to Adrianne as breathing. So it was like asking someone who breathes to check the air concentration.

It couldn’t be used right away.

He was just informing her of how to use it.

“Oh, this is it. Hmm.”

At that moment, Adrianne waved her hand.

“I think I get it. I never thought there would be such an application. You’re amazing.”

Adrianne gave a sincere compliment, but Galahad couldn’t just smile.

‘She did it in one go?’

It was something he had said as if throwing a small clue. But she had solved it in one go-.

‘As expected of Adrianne.’

Galahad let out a small exclamation.

“This will prove to be quite useful. Thank you.”

Adrianna bowed her head deeply, expressing her gratitude. It was a sincere gesture.

‘This could be quite significant.’

Though it would not be as effective as Galahad’s, with her learning ability, her skills would undoubtedly increase rapidly.

By detecting mana concentration, she would likely be able to counter most mages’ spells.

“I will repay you later.”

“What would you like?”

“I was joking.”

Adrianna’s eyebrows twitched slightly. It seemed joking was not an option. Galahad reaffirmed his stance.

“Will you be returning soon?”

“Returning?”

“Aren’t you going to accompany me on the front lines?”

Adrianna asked, her voice close to certainty.

‘Ah, she thought I would follow her.’

It was a reasonable assumption. Perhaps Adrianna had considered him from the moment they left the headquarters.

After all, Galahad had followed Adrianna because of his mana-draining nature.

Adrianna was a hero of the north. Being by her side would make it easier and safer to earn merits. Even at the front lines, considering Adrianna’s strength, it would likely be safer.

Joining her was a natural and logical choice.

However-.

‘The problem is that the Grand Duke will not acknowledge the merits I earn beside Adrianna.’

Furthermore, the north was crawling with wasps. And then there were those Dawn fellows-.

If left alone, they could reignite the Demon War.

The most important thing was to prevent annihilation.

Adrianna and the Grand Duke were merely means to that end.

Of course, studying her properties was an issue, but-.

‘I can just drop in from time to time.’

Having finished his calculations, Galahad nodded, looking at Adrianna who had frozen like a broken doll.

“I suppose you thought I would follow you. I apologize, but I have my own tasks to attend to.”

“Ah-“

Adrianna let out a gasp-like exclamation. It was so soft it was almost inaudible. Her cheeks flushed slightly.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed. I would have thought the same.”

“No, it’s not that. I’m saying this because it’s dangerous if something like this happens again. Your life is precious.”

“Don’t worry. I can fight pretty well, you know. Didn’t you see?”

Galahad gestured towards the cave. Adrianna shook her head and quickly regained her usual calm expression.

“I have some business to attend to for the time being.”

“Yes, I understand. Each unit’s captain is responsible for the deployment of their troops.”

Adrianna nodded politely. Then, she took something out of her pocket. It was a small, rough-looking egg.

“This is the egg of a Curse-casting Hawk. If you break it, I can come to you no matter where I am. If you are ever in danger, break it and I will come.”

“What an ominous name. But if I break the egg, you can come to me anywhere?”

“Yes, the mother hunts whoever breaks her egg until death.”

“That’s amazing. How does it work?”

“·······It must be hatched when it is really needed. There’s only one.”

“Hey, you don’t think I’d break the egg just because I’m curious about the principle, do you?”

Galahad hid the finger that had been pressing on the egg behind his back and laughed.

“I’ll be going. I’ve been away from the border area for too long.

“Oh, you should hold my hand.”

“···You don’t seem to be in good condition.”

“I’m fine. I’ve been waiting to hold your hand, so I’d be disappointed if you just left.”

Adrianna’s eyebrows rose slightly.

Her insides were in shambles because she had overdosed on the blood of the demon tribe.

There were still dregs left inside her from the demon tribe’s blood. Rather, it was clear that burning it would be better for her recovery.

There was also something she was curious about. What would it feel like to burn the dregs of the demon tribe’s blood? How would it work? – She was terribly curious.

“Okay.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Adrianna took his hand.

The pain, which was already the third time, came flooding in.

It burned, tore, and burned again. Still, since it was the third time, she didn’t scream so disgracefully.

The dregs that were inside her began to burn. The moment her mana was carved out, Galahad felt a strange sensation.

‘The higher the concentration, the faster it burns.’

That meant that the stronger the demon tribe, the stronger Adrianna’s power became.

How fraudulent an ability this was. He definitely had to catch her.

At that moment, Adrianna let go of his hand. Before Galahad knew it, he had lost his center and collapsed.

Adrianna, who had reached out to grab him, stepped back.

Galahad raised his head to look at Adrianna and raised the corners of his mouth.

“See? Aren’t you in better condition than last time? You fell over, but you didn’t faint.”

Adrianna let out a small breath.

“Are you laughing right now?”

Instead of answering, Adrianna bowed her head slightly and stepped back.

“Then, farewell.”

With him, Adrianna and the 1st Battalion disappeared.

They seemed to be faster than last time.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m better than I look.”

“Should I help you up?”

“No, I can get up by myself.”

Galahad clicked his tongue and got up.

‘Clean.’

Galahad clenched his hand and muttered.

This time, holding Adrianna’s hand had actually improved his condition.

Of course, the mana had all burned away, but the side effects from the demon tribe’s blood had disappeared, so it was actually better.

“If I overdose on Demon blood, I’ll be able to see Adrianna, right? Then can I drink a lot of it?”

Various curiosities arose. Adrianna was always electrifying.

At that moment, Gilbert coughed slightly. He had a face that seemed to have something to say.

“What is it?”

“Why didn’t you go to the 1st Division? If you had shown your abilities, you could have easily gained achievements by going to the 1st Division.”

Gilbert asked with an odd voice.

It was a fair question. If she followed him, she would be able to gain achievements and establish her position relatively easily.

However, Galahad’s goal wasn’t Adrianna.

Galahad’s goal was to prevent the horrible ending. The Grand Duke and Adrianna were merely methods to achieve that.

And against the Demons, she wouldn’t be able to have the same efficiency as Adrianna anyway. Sticking by Adrianna’s side was inefficient.

There was no need to go to someone else’s battlefield.

Galahad had his own battlefield.

“Most of the right paths are difficult and painful.”

Galahad tapped the parchment in his hand twice.

It was the information he had received from Palho. The parchment contained a considerable amount of information. It also included information about the impure forces that had entered the North.

If he caught them one by one, he would be able to reveal the dawn.

This parchment was Galahad’s battlefield.

‘Is this external help?’

Galahad made a small joke and brushed off the snow on his clothes.

“So what are you going to do?”

Gilbert looked behind him and asked. For some reason, Gwen had a serious face as if she was determined, Damian was patting his stomach, and Tom was organizing his luggage.

It seemed like they were asking for the direction of the Special Force.

“Hasn’t the North been noisy lately?”

“·······Yes, for several years, strange fellows have started to gather in the North. I don’t know what they find to eat in this barren land.”

Galahad slightly avoided Gilbert’s irritated response.

“We’re going to catch those guys.”

A sentence written on one side of the parchment caught his eye.

[The 5th Division is trying to establish a branch of the Black Magic Society, but is facing difficulties due to opposition from the forces there. However, it is expected that it won’t take long.]

He recalled the whisper from the 5th Division’s Captain, whom he had met at the headquarters, saying ‘You’re interested in magic, so be sure to visit.’

There was definitely something there.

‘The 5th Division is located between each of the other Divisions, so it would be a good place to establish our headquarters.’

Having a place to return to was an important rule.

“We’re going to the 5th Division. Get ready, everyone.”

Galahad said, putting a cigarette in his mouth.

“We’re ready!”

Tom answered cheerfully.

Tom was quite perceptive.