Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~

Chapter271，Part2: 2 - Creeping Evil Hand ②

Chapter 271 Creeping Evil Hand ②

Part 2

“It is unavoidable, we will have to borrow people from the 《Sword Saint (Kensei)》 again……………… It is not good to borrow too many people, but regular knights are not enough. And it is not like I can call outside Knight Order to protect the Imperial Capital――.” (Franz)

The strongest swordsman in Zebrudia Empire, Thawne Rowell, the《Sword Saint (Kensei)》, has a close relationship with the Empire.

We have sent many knights to train over there and there are many of his pupils in the Knight Order. He used to be very infamous in the past, but now he has matured as a person, and there is no one among the Imperial Noble who does not recognize him.

Then, with a knock on the door, the subordinate who had been sent out to investigate returned.

“”Dancho (Commander)”, I’ve gathered past records from the Divination Institute and the Imperial Library.” (Subordinate)

“Well done. Really, if the diviners could make more detailed predictions, we wouldn’t have to do such a troublesome thing――” (Franz)

There is no one incompetent in Zebrudia’s knights. Under His Majesty the Emperor, who values quality and rigor, the work has been made more efficient over generations.

Although the Divination Institute perceives the future with vague visions, all past predictions and incidents that actually happened are summarized. If there are similar cases, the content of this prediction can be analyzed.

If you don’t know, there is a way to find out without knowing. This is the strength of our history as a country that cannot be achieved even by 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.

When prompted, the subordinate begins to report in a clerical tone.

“I will compile the data for you later on for more details――Although it wasn’t in Zebrudia――There have been predictions of a 『Black shadow』 in other countries in the past. At that time, an extremely powerful curse was unleashed over a wide area, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties.” (Subordinate)

Curse. Tens of thousands of casualties. Franz’s eyes widened at the unexpected word.

I ruminate the word in my head. If you look closely, you can see a slight look of doubt on the faces of the subordinates who wrote the report.

The Commander of the Third Knight Order frowned but eventually said in a groaning voice.

“It is an emergency………… Is what I would like to say, but I find it hard to believe. Be it humans’ or monsters’, I don’t think you can kill that many people with Curse Art.” (Third Commander)

Franz agrees with him.

Curse Art is a type of Magic that is triggered by strong emotions. It is known to work mainly on people and living creatures, and although it is a fearsome art that is sometimes used for assassinations, it is not suitable for killing large numbers of people.

The key to harming people through Curse Art is a strong feeling of resentment. Killing tens of thousands of people requires a comparable level of resentment, something that even the best curse practitioners are unable to achieve.

Moreover, if you just want to kill a large group of people, there are quicker ways than Curse Art.

“What did that country do?” (Franz)

“………… It says they uncovered the tomb of an ancient sorcerer.” (Subordinate)

“The grudge of the dead. Well, this is what I expected……” (Franz)

It used to be common to hear of people being cursed to death as a result of uncovering a sorcerer’s tomb. While the thoughts of the living ease with the passage of time, the curses left behind by the dead never fade and tend to grow stronger.

However, this time prediction probably has nothing to do with that. Grave robbing of sorcerers has long since become a taboo, and above all, the graves of powerful sorcerers who could leave such strong curses have long since been uncovered. At least none remain in the country.

The Commander of the Third Knight Order stood up. Franz followed suit.

“Just to be sure, I’m going to investigate whether there are any signs of a curse occurring. Please keep checking if there are any other similar predictions but with different causes.” (Third Commander)

“If you need anything, please contact us as well. I will send people from the Zero Knights Order as well, I am sure His Majesty would like that.” (Franz)

I exchange a firm handshake with the Commander of the Third Knight Order.

There are many things to think about. At first glance, it seems improbable, but if a curse that kills tens of thousands of people is really going on, we must stop it at any cost.

We should contact the Institute of Magic Science to discuss countermeasures――Have the Divination Institute hasten their detailed analysis and contact the Emperor――.

I should probably check with 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 just to be sure. He may try to mislead me again, but I will deal with that at that time. For the sake of the Empire, I endure it with a smile.

“”Franz-Dancho (Commander Franz)”, it seems that a pupil of the 《Sword Saint (Kensei)》 is possessed by the curse of an evil sword and is on a rampage.” (Subordinate)

“What…… Did you say?” (Franz)

§　§　§

After all, peace and quiet are the best. Come to think of it, it might have been a long time since I had a relaxing time with Lucia.

I generally have free time, but my capable Imouto is always busy with something.

I stop eating and look at Lucia in front of me.

“I have a feeling something good is going to happen today.” (Cry)

“Nii-san……………… Did it actually ever happen when you say something like that?” (Lucia)

Lucia with her usual pouting face said those cold words to me.

TL notes:

Thanks for reading! And thank you Austen for the Ko-fi, I’ll post an extra chapter this Sunday.

I wonder how that Sword Saint’s pupil got a cursed sword that can possess someone?

Mmmmmh I wonder how… No way it would be because of someone’s gift, right? XD

Tchao à plus!