Reset Life – Chapter 111

Chapter 111: I’ve Been Waiting. Welcome (1)

Imperial Year 375, August 3rd.

A place where even the mightiest dare not scoff when speaking of it.

A place where trees grow, each one representing a life lost.

A place where monsters outnumber the trees that grow.

A place no conqueror can conquer, no adventurer can return from.

People speak of it with a mixture of unease, awe, and fear.

The Gray Forest.

Its vastness covers roughly a quarter of the Empire, half the size of Azot.

To the north, it touches the North Sea; to the south, it pushes against the endless cliffs of the mountain range; to the east, it borders the Sair River.

To its west lies the eastern part of the Empire, Orknesia.

“The Barrier is surprisingly close.”

“They say the last city was built within sight of it, so they could respond immediately to any emergencies.”

Levidian nodded at my explanation. What with one thing and another, she’d been quite stable so far.

Though I’m not sure if her occasional displays of affection are a sign of anxiety. The human psyche can be quite difficult to understand.

The Barrier is one of the three great construction projects mentioned in the Imperial history books, a colossal wall built over 70 years.

It’s a massive structure, 480 kilometers long, built in an arc about 5 kilometers from the Gray Forest.

Even looking at the history of the continent, there’s no other example of such a wall being built. It’s recognized as the greatest architectural achievement in history.

Traveling north from Jaihu, we arrived at a city in the Nenmat region called ‘Makdaro’. It’s the closest city to the Barrier among those adjacent to it.

About 10 kilometers away.

Makdaro, with its three layers of walls that decrease in height as they extend outwards, had its innermost wall open to the public as an observation deck.

It’s one of the Empire’s tourist attractions, though a bit peculiar.

These days, with the Gray Forest being a bit restless, access is restricted except for certain hours. Thanks to that, it’s quite crowded now that we’re up here.

“What do you think the people who live here think? With a powerful enemy just 15 kilometers away, and people coming to see it as a spectacle.”

“Surprisingly, they don’t seem to mind. They might feel a bit uncomfortable about it being a spectacle, but they’re not so twisted as to blame those who don’t know the situation. Besides, it’s none of their business.”

I answered Levidian, maximizing the magnification of the telescope.

To use a childish analogy, it means that two people fighting won’t pick a fight with a bystander. However, they won’t take responsibility if the bystander gets caught in the crossfire.

Even with maximum magnification, it’s impossible to see clearly from 10 kilometers away. Nevertheless, I can sense the tight security in place. Looking at the situation atop the Barrier, I felt a bitter taste in my mouth.

They’d open up the Barrier too in more peaceful times, but for now, we should be grateful that even Makdaro’s three walls are open.

“Let’s go down, Levidian.”

“Yes.”

By observing the first and second walls, as well as the Barrier and its surroundings, I was able to grasp the situation to some extent. There are other things I’d like to know, but it seems unlikely.

As we descended the stairs, Levidian asked quietly,

“Did you find out anything?”

“Yes. Currently, both Makdaro and the Barrier are under a Level 1 Alert, Special Standby Order.”

“Level 1 Alert, Special Standby Order? What’s that?”

Levidian tilted her head. Oh, right. She had nothing to do with the military.

A Level 1 Alert is the stage before a Special Alert, issued when more than 90% of three teams of soldiers or mercenaries dispatched for monster subjugation fail to return.

Even a Level 1 Alert is a serious situation, but a Special Standby Order has also been issued.

This means that somewhere along the Barrier, there’s been direct contact with the Gray Forest, leading to a Special Alert.

After hearing the explanation, Levidian nodded.

“So that’s it. But wouldn’t the fact that the subjugation teams haven’t returned also count as direct contact?”

“In those cases, they’re usually listed as missing for about six months before being declared dead. The ‘direct contact’ used here refers to a situation where monsters are seen fighting at the Barrier with the naked eye, prompting the standby troops to deploy.”

To add, a Special Alert can only be issued with the permission of the Supreme Commander. In other words, this is a serious matter that has reached the ears of the Eastern Army Commander-in-Chief.

Since minor skirmishes are common, my father usually leaves most of the handling to the discretion of the field commanders. This is one of the Eastern Army’s rules, a measure for quick response. Perhaps my father has come to Orknesia as well.

Levidian and I continued to chat as we headed towards the Temple of Achuni. Namia and Joey would be there, receiving Damachi’s contact.

Al decided to search for the mercenaries. Since Al has no sense of direction, we attached Lucy to him, and they should be gathering information from the mercenaries by now.

After walking for a while, Levidian fiddled with a strand of hair that had escaped her hood and casually said,

“Do you think we can cross the Barrier?”

“It won’t be that easy. If security was lax, it might be possible, but right now, I can’t think of any clever methods.”

To put it bluntly, unless we fly over it or crawl under it, I don’t see any way to cross.

The only ones allowed beyond the Barrier are the patrol, search, and attack units. Since the attack unit utilizes both soldiers and mercenaries, we could cross if we joined them, but……

“The 10 kilometers beyond the forest’s edge is uncharted territory. The Eastern Army never advances beyond that point. Even if monsters are overflowing, as long as that line is maintained, there won’t be significant casualties.”

“So it’s problematic even if we get in.”

“It is.”

I scratched my head.

What kind of monsters inhabit the Gray Forest isn’t well known.

There are so many different kinds, and their strength varies greatly.

Since I’m the son of the Duke of Orknesia, and I worked with the Eastern Army before I died, I know more than most. But even that knowledge is paltry compared to those who’ve experienced actual combat.

“Wouldn’t Risel’s power be enough?”

“There are a few problems. The people on the front lines are the type who would wonder where the other sun went if my father said there were two suns in the sky, and if I said that, they’d pity my father for having a crazy son. They’re not the type to take my words seriously.”

While the vassals of Orknesia might at least lend an ear to the Emperor’s words, those on the front lines would react as if they didn’t even know who the Emperor was. That’s the first problem.

“What’s the second problem?”

“Even if we pull some strings and they turn a blind eye to us going beyond the Barrier, we’d have no way to actually cross it. The Barrier’s gate is five layers deep, and the outermost gate is a drawbridge.”

“So they dug a moat?”

“Yes. They diverted the river flowing through the Gray Forest to create a moat. In fact, one of the main duties of the search and patrol units is to check the water gates and waterways within the forest for any abnormalities.”

A 480-kilometer long moat.

That’s practically a river. And it’s quite wide, so I can’t figure out how to cross it.

Well, it was designed to be impossible to cross in the first place.

Jump off the top of the Barrier? I guarantee even Joey would die from a 30-meter fall.

“Any other problems?”

“My status as the son of the Duke of Orknesia.”

“Ah……”

“They’re not going to throw a chick over the fence knowing the owner will be angry, even if they treat it like a dog treats a chick.”

Ultimately, there’s no room for the son of the Duke of Orknesia or the Imperial Irregular Secret Inspector to interfere.

The Barrier’s walls are, as the name suggests, an impregnable fortress, signifying inaccessibility. The Empire’s fortification techniques developed quite a bit thanks to its construction, didn’t they?

We can’t cross it through normal means, and sneaking across is impossible.

Having reached that conclusion, I growled briefly at the sky where the Barrier stood and entered the temple.

Namia and Joey were already waiting for us in the chapel, having finished their business. The reason they were so visible wasn’t because of Joey’s size, but because there was no one within a 10-meter radius of him, except for Namia.

“Hyung-nim, you’ve arrived.”

“Any contact?”

“The atmosphere in the Imperial Capital is a bit unsettling, they say.”

“Huh?”

I hadn’t expected any particular news, so Joey’s words were unexpected. Perhaps because of the stares from the people around us, he handed me a piece of paper.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a message I wrote down from High Priest Ir.”

A few lines of text were briefly written on the paper. After reading the short message, I had to frown for a moment.

“What in the world does this mean?”

“It’s just as it’s written.”

“Oh, you’re joking?”

I looked at Joey with an approving expression. Good job, you’ve gotten much better at jokes. Sending you out into the wide world was worth it after all.

Joey had a puzzled expression.

“Um…… it’s true, though.”

“Are you telling me to believe this?”

“No, I, I didn’t say it……”

“Oh, right. Tsk, that’s unfortunate. I guess Damachi’s gone senile.”

It happens when people get old. Still, he’s a priest, so they’ll take good care of him at the temple. The Temple of Achuni has quite a few nursing homes under its jurisdiction.

“It’s true.”

“Yes?”

“Not false, but true.”

Namia supported the flustered Joey. Instead of bringing me back to reality, her actions made me want to escape even more.

“Namia, are you saying I have to believe this?”

She nodded slightly in affirmation. Unlike others, Namia would rather remain silent than tell a joke.

That means I have to believe this.

“What’s going on?”

Levidian took the paper from my hand with a curious expression and read it. It didn’t take long for a look of astonishment to appear on her face.

“Oh my god……”

“Oh my god. Really……”

What Damachi had sent was literally, ‘Oh my god’.

My father under house arrest?!

For embezzlement?!

The few lines written couldn’t convey the exact situation. However, I could certainly grasp the fact that it was outrageous!

Although he dislikes me and even tried to have me killed, Ecaledon Uck Herduke is a man who lives by integrity.

Above all, I know this better than anyone because I planned the Eastern Army’s supply plan. There’s no way he could have embezzled 50,000 gold coins!

And what else? He’s being accused of threatening neighboring territories with unnecessary redeployment of the Eastern Army? You must be joking! The Gray Forest is about to explode!

Additionally, it says several figures in the Imperial Capital and nobles in key positions in the Eastern Army are petitioning the Emperor, but their pleas are being completely ignored.

Oh, yes. I’ll admit that the Eastern Army makes up a significant portion of the Imperial Army, and that using the control and influence my father holds, a rebellion wouldn’t be difficult.

But I can’t accept that my father would do such a thing!

“What’s going on, Joey?”

“High Priest Ir said he’s looking into the exact situation as well. It’s only been three days since the Duke was confined.”

“Ugh……! Damn it!”

I roughly scratched my head.

Something is definitely wrong.

The Emperor must have misunderstood something terribly.

Damn it! If only I had stayed in the Imperial Capital!

“Risel, calm down. Don’t get excited.”

Levidian quickly grabbed my shoulder. It was just that, but my head cooled down. Perhaps she’s a mage after all.

“Phew…… Thanks.”

Let’s think calmly while taking deep breaths.

First of all, although my father dislikes me, he’s a pretty decent person otherwise.

He’s also important to the Empire. Not just inconvenient, but troublesome if he’s not around. In that sense, I respect him, and I acknowledge the fact that he’s a reliable pillar for my mother and Sera.

That’s why this is so shocking.

A man who would never commit such a crime has been accused and even punished.

Until I left the Imperial Capital, the Emperor’s trust in my father was the same as before, or even stronger. But they say the Emperor himself issued the confinement order. There must have been something fishy going on, right?

I haven’t heard anything like this from Jay and Old Man’s regular contacts either.

No, let’s not jump to conclusions. This has just begun, and usually, these kinds of things take months to investigate.

Trying to calm my churning stomach, I muttered,

“It’s definitely a false accusation. Besides, my father has many good friends and a good reputation, so there will be many people to help him.”

For example, Duke Ecoshian Uck Daylight of Restart. I asked him to maintain relations with Azot, but that old Duke will probably be thinking of making me owe him a favor.

If just one of the three Dukes of the Empire shows their displeasure, the Emperor won’t be able to do anything.

And I have my good friend Aila, don’t I?

The problem is Duke Mujaindos of Narvilt, the Emperor’s relative.

He’s famously on bad terms with my father. He might take this opportunity to strike.

Above all, the territory that felt threatened was Narvilt. One of their vassals lodged the complaint.

I suspect it started with a power struggle between two nobles from feuding territories, with the weaker one reporting to higher authorities.

“Hmm, I’m worried, but there’s nothing we can do. It’ll work itself out. But if he’s confined, who gets the final authority over the Eastern Army?”

It probably hasn’t been decided yet.

If I had to pick candidates, my uncle or grandfather would be the best choices.

The worst candidate, needless to say, is Duke Mujaindos, but if the Emperor isn’t a fool, he wouldn’t give the commander of the Western Army authority over the Eastern Army as well.

The biggest problem here is that the Emperor is somewhere between a normal person and a fool.

As I continued to mumble while stroking my chin, Levidian quietly made a ridiculous suggestion.

“If you’re worried, wouldn’t it be better to go straight to the Imperial Capital……?”

“That’s not funny. Tell me a joke that’s actually funny.”

Suggesting we go to the Imperial Capital after coming all this way is a joke, a joke. A corny joke that’s not even funny.

If my father was incompetent, he would have lost the power struggle long ago. He didn’t take control of the Eastern Army for show. Plus, my brother is quite popular among the nobles, so there will be many people to help if he starts a petition.

Hmm. It would carry more weight if I, the one who drafted the Eastern Army’s budget last time, went to defend him…… Ah, this is troublesome. The situation doesn’t allow for it.

“I guess I’ll have to head straight to the Imperial Capital once this is over. If I finish this just before the curse activates and head to the Imperial Capital…… I’ll arrive there in about half a year.”

“Will you be alright?”

“I’ll be fine. I have Aila, so I’ll be able to avoid the worst-case scenario. And my father wouldn’t create the worst-case scenario anyway.”

For now, let’s have faith.

Levidian showed a hint of anxiety on her face, but quickly erased it.

“If you think so, I won’t say anything else. Indeed, the Duke wasn’t an easy man to deal with.”

“Who knows, maybe the next news we hear will be that the conspirators have all been punished. Let’s think positively.”

“Yes. That would be nice.”

Let’s put this matter aside for now.

“Joey, any other news?”

“Ah, yes. That’s all.”

“Okay. I see. Did you buy the medicine?”

“Of course. Thanks to High Priest Ir’s letter of introduction, I got it cheap.”

Joey grinned and lifted a small bag. The sound of clinking coins came from inside.

Since we’re going into the Gray Forest, we need to make sure we have effective first-aid supplies. Even if it costs a lot, it’s like having an extra life.

So, this concludes our business at the temple? The only thing left is information about the Gray Forest…… Why aren’t Al and Lucy back yet?

At that moment, it was proven that both of them had tiger blood in them.

“Risel, sorry. Are we late?”

“You’re late.”

Lucy apologized without sounding sorry, and Al simply stated they were late. It’s a difficult question to decide who’s more annoying.

“Welcome back. Any results?”

“Yeah, so-so. Al is more famous than I thought. Everyone knows him.”

“Oh, really? Ah, let’s not talk about it here. Let’s go back to the inn.”

It was almost time for the service. Thanks to Joey, we had secured a spacious area, but we left the temple and headed towards the inn, as we had no intention of attending the service.

As a side note, as soon as Joey headed outside, those who had been standing firmly suddenly found their legs aching and quickly took their seats.

Translator’s Blog

Blog

• Naruto and Sasuke: Bro-mance or True Love? The Ultimate Anime Bromance Debate
• When You Realize You’re Too Old for Anime: A Midlife Crisis in 2D
• Loid Forger: The Ultimate Husbando?
• Your Crush is With Someone Else? Channel Your Inner Samurai, Not a Sad Puppy Dog.
• Do Your Gym Bros Think You’re a Weirdo? (Secret Signs You’re the Gym Oddball)