I Became a Ruined Character in a Dark Fantasy-Chapter 654

"That I said, let’s forget the past regrets and work together from now on."

As Lucas held his breath, Ian concluded calmly, taking in the murky landscape beyond the opening gate. He’d always thought of it as the barbarians’ land, not his—but now a strange emotion flickered quietly in his chest.

Swoosh—

A faint warmth shimmered on his left arm. Karha was likely watching. It wouldn't be surprising if he had been watching ever since Ian left the Dragon's Tomb.

"Indeed, Your Excellency always exceeds the expectations of ordinary men like me." Lucas’s quiet exclamation followed.

Ian’s eyes twitched at the meaningful tone.

"Everyone assumed that upon your return, a wave of change would begin in the North. Your decision will surprise many..." As Lucas went on, a faint smile spread across Ian’s lips. He had clearly misunderstood Ian’s intentions.

"But in the end, it will serve as an opportunity to reflect on what truly benefits the North. Just as I am reflecting," said Lucas.

Of course, they weren’t pushing everything onto Ian just because he was qualified. The dissatisfaction with Archduke Olaf had been accumulating across the entire North.

"On the other hand, His Grace will feel blindsided and no doubt anxious. I expect he will soon attempt something reckless—"

"I think you’re misunderstanding something, Commander." Ian finally cut him off.

Looking at the startled Lucas, Ian said calmly, "I have no intention of catching the Archduke off guard. And I certainly have no intention of creating a justification to oust him."

"Are you saying you truly mean to join hands with His Grace?" Lucas narrowed his eyes, studying him.

"This is no time to waste on power struggles."

Ian nodded immediately, not looking away from Lucas’s eyes.

"War will soon break out in the Empire. Some will call it a holy war. Others, a civil war."

"What do you—" Lucas stopped mid-question. His eyes flew wide. "Don’t tell me... beyond the Black Wall, the rumors were true? The Empire’s—"

"Yes. The former Crown Prince, His Highness Hyked, is alive."

Lucas’s jaw dropped at Ian’s calm answer. And at almost the same moment, the carriage window slid open.

"And he will soon return to the Empire leading a legion," Thesaya added lazily from inside.

Ian’s lip twisted as he looked at the carriage window.

She was eavesdropping on everything...

She sat at the window with her cigarette, smiling. When their eyes met, she even arched a brow at him.

"My goodness, Lu Solar..."

She was the only one amused. Hand covering his mouth, he let out a faint groan, staring blankly into the air before turning back to Ian.

"Does the capital know this?"

"By now, probably."

Ian shrugged and looked back at him.

"So I hope you convey my message clearly to avoid misunderstandings like the one just now. If necessary, you can tell the Archduke what I just told you. That should make him doubt my intentions even less."

"Hmm?" Thesaya hummed with a teasing smile. Ian shot her a faint glare.

"Understood. I’ll do so." Lucas swallowed hard, smoothing a hand down his beard as he nodded. "I should visit His Grace personally to deliver the message, rather than sending a messenger..."

He took a steadying breath, trying to regain his composure. Ian exchanged a glance with Thesaya and nodded.

"Was the world beyond the Black Wall really a massive demonic realm?" Lucas asked again just as Thesaya turned her gaze toward the distance.

"It was. I’ll explain in detail later," Ian answered, turning his head in the direction she was looking. "It seems our guide is coming."

Far to the side, from the entrance of the fortress that rose like part of the wall, Lucas’s adjutant, Hester, was walking out. A soldier wrapped in a dark fur cloak accompanied him.

"As I mentioned earlier, that’s Caleb." Lucas turned his gaze in the same direction and added quietly, suppressing his emotions.

Thesaya flicked the ash from her cigarette and said, "He’s a bit small for a Northerner."

"He looks that way, but he’s born and raised in the North, from Nebugat. Quick on his feet, sharp-eyed, and he’s crossed those snowfields more times than he can count. You’ll find him useful."

Ian nodded, keeping his eyes on Caleb. Just as Thesaya said, he was small and lean. A scruff of dark beard covered his cheeks and jaw, making it difficult to guess his age.

But he was clearly an experienced and skilled soldier. Though his gear was worn, it was well-maintained, in stark contrast to his listless expression and gait. He didn't even glance at Ian or the carriage, just stared at the ground.

"I’ve brought him, Your Excellency." Hester, having passed the guards, approached Ian and Lucas.

Lucas, back to his usual demeanor, nodded. "Well done, Hester."

Hester fell back into position beside them at a respectful distance. Caleb followed behind him, shuffling forward with a blank face and even letting out a weary sigh, as if already lamenting whatever troublesome duty awaited him.

"Show some respect, Caleb. This is the Great Warrior of the North and a Demigod, His Excellency the Margrave," Lucas said quietly, glancing back at him.

"Yes, yeah, sure I kn— What?" Caleb, who had been nodding absently, widened his eyes a beat late and snapped his head around. He stared intently at Ian, whom he had ignored just moments ago.

Ian let out a low snort as Lucas added, "That’s an order. Escort His Excellency and his guests to the demonic realm in the snowfields. Guide them by the fastest and most precise route."

Caleb didn’t answer. He just stared at Ian with his mouth slightly open, trudging forward.

As Lucas’s eyes narrowed, Ian jerked his chin. "No need for formalities. I’m counting on you, Caleb."

"A-are you really... him?" Caleb finally stammered, still looking half-dazed.

Thesaya’s suppressed laughter brushed Ian’s ear as he replied, "Yes. I’m Ian Hope."

"By Karha— I-I sincerely welcome your ret—"

"I said skip the greetings." Ian cut off Caleb’s breathless words and tilted his head toward the carriage. "Get in. We’re leaving immediately. Your job starts now."

"Yes!" Caleb nodded vigorously and scurried forward.

Ian noticed the man squeeze his eyes shut for a moment—his mind must have gone completely blank.

Nasser slid aside on the driver’s bench to make space. Caleb scrambled up beside him like a squirrel.

"Pleasure to meet you, Caleb. I’m Nasser."

"Yes, nice to meet you..."

Thesaya tossed her cigarette butt out and closed the window, a strange smile on her lips as if she’d found a new toy.

"I’ve never seen him so disciplined before." Lucas chuckled, glancing at Hester.

Clack— clatter—

Hester nodded and ran off, gesturing to the surrounding guards. The guards encircling the carriage ran forward together, splitting to the left and right.

"You really don’t have to go this far," Ian muttered, shaking his head. He didn’t need to ask why—the wall and the wide-open gate were right in front of them.

The guards lined up on either side of the wide gate, standing at attention with their hands behind their backs. The gate captain and the soldiers who had opened the gate were mixed in among them.

Clip-clop, clip-clop—

Passing between them, the group entered the open gate. A cold wind rushed in along the tunnel-like passage through the wall. As Moro snorted happily behind him, Ian stared again at the dark, distant landscape coming into view beyond the gate.

"The snowfields seem farther away than before," muttered Ian.

"That is correct. It still gets covered in snow near here in midwinter, but unlike before, it all melts by summer. It’s because the cold surges from the Ahigorn Mountains have subsided. That too is thanks to Your Excellency’s achievements." Lucas nodded and looked at him.

"Enough with the flattery." Ian tugged the reins resting on his shoulder as they stepped out from the gate’s shadow.

His view burst open at once. Moro stepped ahead as though eager to lead.

"Whoa..." Nasser let out a low gasp from the driver’s seat.

Beyond the withering gray forest lay an endless expanse of white snowfields. Far along the horizon, the ridges of the snow-draped mountain range stretched on without end. Under the heavy, dark clouds, the world’s edge seemed clearer, sharper—starkly alive.

"Th-That way," said Caleb cautiously, and the carriage turned right.

Ian, now mounted on Moro, glanced at Mev, who was waiting for instruction. He tilted his head toward the path, signaling her to go on.

"This is far enough for a send-off," said Ian.

"Yes, understood." Lucas stopped readily in front of the gate.

Ian, having taken off his hood, picked up the reins. "See you again, Commander."

"Your Excellency." Lucas lifted his head quickly, stopping him.

When Ian paused and looked back, he added, "After I finish my report, may I visit you in Hope City?"

Ian’s lip curled slightly. "That’d save me the trouble. I’ll see you then."

Not that you’ll get the answer you’re hoping for then, either.

Ian shook the reins. Moro reared up, turned, and galloped off.

Clip-clop— clip-clop—

The carriage ahead drew closer in an instant. Ian pulled back on the reins, bringing Moro into an easy pace beside it.

The carriage door flung open almost at the same moment.

"Do you think the Archduke will believe you, Ian?" Thesaya leaned halfway out the door, voice practically itching with curiosity. "You know him. With that personality, he’ll assume you’re plotting something—"

"Caleb, what do they usually call you?" Ian asked without even glancing her way.

Caleb, sitting stiffly next to Nasser, answered immediately. "My comrades call me Cal, Great Warrior!"

"Good, Cal. How long until the nearest demonic realm?"

"If I travel alone, five days, Great Warrior!"

He became a private in an instant.

Ian snorted quietly at the sight of Caleb answering without daring to look back.

He waved Thesaya inside and said, "If we push hard, that’s two days shaved off. Let’s get as far as we can before the Blessing of the Brazier fades."

"Yes, my lord." Nasser nodded and then turned to Caleb and offered the reins. "You heard him, Cal. We’re counting on you."

"... Yes! Leave it to me!" Caleb, who had hesitated only a heartbeat, shouted with booming enthusiasm as he accepted the reins.