My Strange Savior - Chapter 92

Chapter 92

“Incredible.”

“A Red Dragon…”

Countless people witnessed the dragon inside the carriage, and the news spread like wildfire.

“Lord of Moretta and the commander of the knight order captured it.”

“Did you hear? The Red Dragon was tamed by a villain from another world.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I have relatives in Moretta, and that scoundrel tamed the dragon and turned a village called Dervon into ruins.”

Oscar, who had set this up, surveyed the people, listening to their expected reactions.

“He killed people, abducted them, and even ate them.”

“Oh my… it’s dreadful.”

“Commander of the knight order, who went to subdue rampaging monsters, saw that and joined forces with Lord to capture the dragon.”

“As expected… the people from Duke Bowers are different.”

“Yes, yes. And also…”

As the person spoke, revealing important secrets, their voice lowered abruptly.

“It seems that someone from another world helped Duke Bowers and captured the dragon. According to this person, the one who tamed the dragon was an extremely wicked criminal even in their world.”

“How did such a wicked person…?”

“That’s right. It’s shocking enough to learn that there’s another world… I wonder how the world is changing.”

The wordless whispers spread faster than the gallop of a horse without a rider. Oscar, who had sown the seeds, slowly looked around, his ears attuned.

“Expose the dragon as much as possible. Maximize the rumors.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t forget to use the planted people to monitor the direction of the rumors.”

“Yes.”

The rumors, even without exaggeration, spread like wildfire from mouth to mouth. Oscar, aiming for this, turned the head of his horse toward the castle.

“But even if it’s the commander of the knight order, how did they tame that wicked dragon?”

“Lord Moretta’s grandson is an alchemist.”

“An alchemist? But isn’t alchemy prohibited by the Emperor as sorcery?”

“He was a disciple of the late Myers, right? What can you do when he’s the disciple of Myers? He inherited Myers’s legacy to save people, so he had no choice but to step forward.”

“How extraordinary…”

Listening carefully to every story and making sure that the rumors were being transmitted well, Oscar pricked up his ears. Rumors built on truths spread like smoke and that smoke could be used to disguise clear facts. 

The Emperor couldn’t easily say something different or divert attention. The Emperor, who knew better than anyone how terrifying the public opinion of the people could be, wouldn’t easily ignore it.

Oscar was determined to slowly unravel the methods he had used.

Breaking the Emperor’s command on alchemy and spreading the rumors would become a powerful shield for Gregory. Moreover, with Kalion, who had been delayed in Moretta without the Emperor’s command, going on a subjugation mission, the reasons for his delay were now convincingly added.

“They say they caught that heinous guy?”

“He came from another world? They say he hasn’t been caught yet. He’s incredibly strong. They say he can only be captured with a weapon made from a dragon.”

“Oh, how… such a guy still flying around just thinking about it is dreadful.”

“To catch him, the Emperor must allow alchemy.”

“That’s right. Honestly… the alchemy we used so well has been prohibited all of a sudden.”

Alchemy, which was used to benefit people, was suddenly discontinued, and the discomfort was entirely on the shoulders of the people. Sitting quietly on the throne, pointing fingers at people with his finger, the Emperor wouldn’t feel the discomfort even if he lived and died.

“Now that we can’t use what we used to use… it’s not just this uncomfortable thing.”

“Alchemy used to make things, and some alchemists occasionally cheated people, but isn’t it excessive to persecute them this much?”

“I don’t know. Since the Emperor ordered it, we have no choice but to accept it.”

“The ones sitting up there care about people like us. In the end, only the common people are dying.”

“Oh, be careful with your words. Day words are heard by Solara, and night words are heard by Nox.”

People hushed, exchanging glances cautiously. With alchemy banned, the people’s discontent was reaching its peak. Anything, when it was there, was taken for granted. Now that it’s gone, the people who felt the inconvenience were blaming the Emperor for being too harsh.

“Isn’t the alchemist, the disciple of that Myers, going to be caught?”

“Well… even so, to catch the guy from another world, we need a weapon made from a dragon, right? Would the Emperor go that far?”

Rumors had spread this far, so it wouldn’t be a big deal for them to reach the capital. No, they probably already had. Going to cities and wasting time like this was like telling them to do so.

Oscar walked through the central street of the castle, encouraging the rumors to spread further.

After dragging the carriage for a while, people waiting for him in the distance became visible.

Oscar, who had dismounted from his horse, greeted his old friend with a warm smile.

“Marquis Petra, have you been well?”

“Yes. Didn’t I tell you to drop the formalities a long time ago?”

The old gentleman with a kind face smiled, and wrinkles formed around his eyes. 

“Norman.”

“Oscar, you’ve been through a lot to come all this way. And dealing with that dragon, too. You can’t imagine how surprised I was to receive your letter.”

Oscar laughed comfortably at his old friend’s usual mannerisms. 

“Lord Bowers, isn’t it?”

“Greetings, Lord Petra.”

Kalion jumped down from his horse, greeted Norman with respect, and straightened his cloak, trying to hide his surprise at the grand welcome. 

“I’ve heard the rumors. Thank you for your efforts.”

“It’s what needs to be done for the Empire. No need for formalities.”

Norman, satisfied with the demeanor of the young man leading the Empire, chuckled and continued with introductions of the people beside him. 

“These are my companions.”

“Hello, I’m the eldest son, Akin Petra.”

Kalion skillfully received the greetings, and as Akin nodded briefly in acknowledgment, his sky-blue hair elegantly fluttered. 

“May the girl also greet you.”

A soft voice came from the side, and a woman in a light yellow dress, with her hair gathered, stood there. 

“Let me greet you.”

Norman stepped aside, and the slender woman with a gentle voice greeted them. 

“Hello. I’m the second child, Yuria Petra.”

“So, you’re the second child, Yuria.”

“Yes, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“You’ve grown up so beautifully.”

Yuria modestly lifted her skirt in response to Oscar’s praise. 

“Is your grandson not here?”

In response to Norman’s question about the alchemist of rumors, Oscar replied.

“He said he came to see the dragon’s carcass.”

“Well then, let it be so.”

Understanding, Norman put his arm around Oscar’s shoulders. 

“Looks like we’ll be staying up all night here. Let’s go inside and finish our conversation.”

As Norman urged them, Oscar didn’t forget to tease him for his persistence.

While Kalion hesitated, Oscar turned back.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Oh, I’ll go with Gia.”

Oscar, who was pleased to see Kalion taking care of Gia, nodded approvingly. Yuria, who had been glancing at Kalion, moved gracefully to sit next to her father.

After people boarded, another carriage stopped. Kalion waited for Gia and Rey.

“Kalion.”

“Yes?”

Kalion perked up at the voice he heard.

“Rey fell asleep. What should we do?”

“Is that so?”

He opened the carriage door slightly, revealing Rey, who was sleeping soundly with a teddy bear in his arms.

“Come here.”

Kalion gently picked up Rey, ensuring not to wake him, and held him securely in his arms. He carefully moved aside so that Gia could get off easily.

“We should stop by the assigned accommodation first.”

“Yeah, it seems like the schedule is tight.”

“For a child, it could be.”

Kalion gestured to the maid standing behind him.

“I’ll guide you.”

Following the maid who is in-charged of Rey and their luggage, they walked behind the guiding maid. Not far away, a well-built annex appeared. It wasn’t comparable to Morreta, but it was a city on a level similar to the capital.

Beside Gia, who was admiring the surroundings with her head turning, Rey, nestled in Kalion’s arms, slept peacefully, oblivious to the world.

As the days gradually lengthened, the weather remained surprisingly mild for what was believed to be winter.

Gia, worried it might get cold, draped a blanket over Kalion and Rey.

“The weather has improved now.”

“Spring will come soon.”

“I’ve aged another year for no reason.”

“Why say you’ve aged for no reason?”

Kalion frowned at Gia’s pouting. 

“It’s just words.”

“I’m just saying it because you’ve done a lot.”

“Playing with words, huh?”

Kalion chuckled at Gia’s dismissive words.

The maid, who provided them with a room with a good view, bowed, and Kalion entered first. Following him, Gia lifted the bedcovers.

“Let’s lay him down here.”

“Yes.”

Kalion gently laid Rey down and covered him with the blankets up to his neck.

“I’ll step out for a moment, so let me know if Rey wakes up.”

“Yes, understood.”

The maid replied politely, and Gia’s eyes widened.

“Should I go too?”

“Yes.”

“But it’s a hassle.”

Although Gia had refused to go several times during the journey, claiming it was bothersome to stop by castles, she now pouted.

“Do I have to go this time?”

“You should go. Lord Norman is not only a close friend, but he’s also someone who will greatly support our plans. So, if you familiarize yourself with his face…”

“Alright, I get it.”

As Kalion explained at length, Gia nodded in a somewhat annoyed manner. Finding it cute, Kalion chuckled and pulled Gia along.

“Let’s go. Since this place has developed commercially, there must be a lot of delicacies from various regions.”

“Don’t treat me like a pig…”

“I’ve never thought that way.”

Seeing Kalion subtly throwing bait, Gia secretly savored the temptation of delicious food.

Following the maid’s guidance with a bit of bickering, they quickly arrived at the reception room in the main building. The intricately carved door opened, and the gaze of the people inside fell upon them. 

Feeling embarrassed, Gia peeked out from behind Kalion’s broad back. Kalion, noticing Gia’s discomfort, stepped forward, allowing her to breathe more comfortably, and casually nodded his head.

“Welcome. Please have a seat.”

Norman gestured towards the sofa in front of him.

Kalion’s confident strides were imposing, but in contrast, Gia, feeling as if she had committed a crime, lightly held onto the edge of Kalion’s cloak.

“Are you uncomfortable?” 

Kalion asked in a hushed voice.

“Yeah.” 

Gia’s hands, responding to Kalion’s whisper, were filled with sweat. She wondered why this moment reminded her of the first introduction to Rockt and Oscar. That’s why she had been avoiding such situations until now.

As Gia hesitated, walking hesitantly to assess the atmosphere, Kalion stopped in his tracks.

“Stay by my side.”

“Uh-huh.”

Kalion, as if escorting her, enveloped Gia and synchronized his steps with hers.