A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 181: Winter's Moon (1)

In an unnamed forest within the lands of Rekordak lay a clear pond. Enchanted with mana, it remained unfrozen even in the biting chill of that season—a mysterious place, one might have considered it a small, magical space of its own.

Plop—

I was fishing there, and thanks to the Midas Touch enchantment on my rod, which carried the ability to 'entice fish,' the experience was far from boring.

Splash—!

Every time I cast the line, the bait was taken almost instantly, and the fish were caught.

Whoooosh...

I reeled in the line with a steady pull, and as the water rippled, a fish broke the surface, thrashing in the light.

Just as I checked its size and species, ready to drop it into the bucket...

“I have a question to ask.”

At the sudden sound of a nearby voice—familiar, yet entirely unexpected—I turned toward it.

"Why are you so determined to assume the role of the chairman?" Yulie asked, standing with perfect poise, her clear eyes reflecting nothing—not even the faintest trace of emotion. "What fuels your insatiable quest for power?"

I turned my eyes back to the pond, casting the fishing line, and said, "Was protecting Rekordak not what you had desired?"

"Yes, however, shouldn’t we allow those who wish to leave—"

“If all others choose to leave, will you remain here to face death alone?”

"... I am a knight who knows when to retreat. Against millions of monsters, the few tens of thousands in Rekordak would serve only to buy time. And for their sake, I would have willingly been there at that time."

Splash—!

The line tugged again, and Yulie glanced at it.

"... I heard you’ve been conducting your own investigation into the incident involving Rockfell and Veron," I said, steering the conversation in a new direction.

Yulie’s body flinched just slightly.

"I heard you requested the assistance of a renowned adventurer—a daring choice for a knight without means," I said. "Give up. There is nothing to be gained."

Yulie’s expression hardened, but I could only hope she never uncovered the truth about Rockfell’s heart, for she would undoubtedly blame herself for the betrayal of someone she once trusted.

"Then let me ask you this—did the two of them really lose their lives in an accident?" Yulie asked.

“... Was that not written in the reports you read? Or are you such a fool that you can’t even trust what your own eyes have seen?”

At that, Yulie’s head dropped, her eyes falling to the ground, shadowed by a veil of quiet despair.

“You are...”

Splash—!

I gently lifted the fishing rod, and the spray of water splashed over Yulie’s shoulders.

"Indeed, as you’ve said, I desire many things. Perhaps, one day, that very greed will drive a knife into my back," I said, shaking the fish free into the bucket.

Yulie raised her eyes, their chill as cutting as winter frost, and a quiet smile formed on my lips, satisfied with what I saw.

"However, it matters little to me," I said. "If I were to regret the end that awaits, I would not have chosen this path to begin with."

Grind—

Yulie clenched her teeth.

"Now, let me ask you this—do you regret the life you've chosen to live?"

It was a question that struck at the very core of Yulie’s identity. She believed she had been born at the cost of her mother’s life, a belief she carried as a burden. In the end, she abandoned everything meant for her, as though her life had never been her own.

“Yes, I regret it—every moment I was bound to you,” Yulie said.

"How pathetic you are, trying to fill the void of a life without yourself by clinging to the identity of a knight," I said, giving a faint nod.

"... Are you insulting me?"

"Indeed, you are a misguided soul who has turned the mere role of a knight into the purpose of your existence, losing sight of what really matters."

In that moment, mana flared from Yulie’s body, spreading an aura that chilled the air around her.

“From here... Oh?”

A sudden, youthful voice broke the tension, momentarily quieting Yulie’s anger. Together, we turned toward the sound, where two children, seemingly here to fish, stood among the bushes with large fishing rods strapped to their backs—Ria and Leo.

"... Hello," Ria said with a small bow, her head lowered.

Leo glanced at her, then mimicked her gesture with an awkward bow.

I thought they would leave, given the weight of the tension hanging in the air.

However...

"Let’s sit here, Leo. This spot is great for catching fish,” Ria said, pulling out a small chair and sitting down.

Yulie and I watched the scene blankly in silence.

“Okay! Do you think the fish will taste good?” Leo asked.

“Of course! Let’s catch some and eat them. I’ll cook them for you.”

Plop— plop—

As the fishing hook disappeared beneath the surface, I glanced at Yulie. She was already stealing quiet glances at me, and for a brief moment, our eyes met.

"... I must take my leave, as there are other duties I must attend to."

"Very well."

And so, Yulie left, and I resumed fishing.

... Splash—!

I caught a fish, and the two children glanced at me from the corners of their eyes.

... Splash—!

I caught another fish, and the two children pouted.

... Splash—!

I caught my third fish.

“... Ria, why can't we catch anything?” Leo asked.

“... I don’t know. Maybe that professor is catching them all,” Ria replied.

The two of them leaned in close, whispering to one another.

Splash—!

By the time I caught my fourth fish, I rose to my feet, their resentful stares weighing on me.

***

At noon, the only time when sunlight touched Rekordak, the knights of the Imperial Palace stood, lost in deep contemplation.

“Ugh, who would have imagined this place was a damn pitfall? I thought it was meant to be our El Dorado,” one of the knights muttered.

To disregard Deculein’s warning and abandon Rekordak, or to throw reason aside and stand together in its defense—that was the choice before them. If they had managed to defend the stronghold, the rewards would have been immense—glory worthy of knights, as well as significant wealth and social standing.

The problem, however, was that success seemed nearly impossible, and desertion midway might have been their only chance to preserve their lives.

Burdened by all these concerns, Knight Delic made his rounds along the walls with his knights when his eyes fell on an unusual sight—a guard tinkering with an unfamiliar machine.

"... Hey, you there," Delic said.

"Yes, Knight Delic."

"What is that?"

It was an odd contraption, resembling a massive crossbow with a clumsy mechanism attached haphazardly.

"It's an automatic crossbow, sir," the guard replied in response to Delic’s question.

"... An automatic crossbow?" Delic repeated.

“Yes, sir,” the guard replied, resting a hand on the automatic crossbow. “It’s one of the professor’s inventions, and its power is unmatched.”

“... A crossbow is a crossbow—there’s no need to boast about its power. Let’s see. Go ahead and fire it.”

“Yes, sir,” the guard replied, nodding and positioning himself to demonstrate as he gripped the handle of the crossbow.

Rat-a-tat-tat-tat—!

In an instant, dozens of crossbow bolts were unleashed, their violent force startling both Delic and the knights.

"It can release two hundred bolts in just ten seconds. Though its accuracy decreases, it remains highly effective against large numbers."

“... Yes, it seems so. And this is the professor’s invention?"

“Yes, sir. The professor appears to be planning on installing several dozen more in the near future.”

The professor seemed intent on preparing thoroughly, relying on new inventions to strengthen their defenses.

At that moment...

Whooooosh—!

Someone emerged from beneath the wall as the wind swept through, causing her red twin tails to flutter in the air.

"Captain Ganesha," Delic said, almost instinctively offering his respect.

“Hmm? Oh~ Hello, Delic?”

"Yes, captain."

“I heard you failed in your escape attempt and ended up getting caught by the professor~” Ganesha said with a light giggle.

“Haha

"I’m here to help~"

“H-help us? What kind of help exactly? Has the professor assigned you a task?” Delic asked, his knights glancing at one another, their eyes wide with surprise.

“Heh, well, typically, dangerous tasks like this would start at no less than fifty million elne at auction for me to accept. But, just because of our past connection, I’m offering my help free of charge.”

"What kind of help are you offering us?"

“Hmm~ Knight Delic, do you know why the demonic beasts tend to advance in winter?”

“Is it not due to the moon and their hunger?”

Ganesha smiled, pleased with his answer.

“Yes, that’s correct~ You’re spot on. During winter, the Blue Moon and Red Moon appear in turn, and the demonic beasts, maddened by hunger, lose their senses, don’t they?

“It’s as if they’re entranced by an unseen force, drawn to advance south... But because of that, I’m able to lure and hinder them on my own,” Ganesha said with a bright smile as she began stretching, clasping her hands to push her arms upward and downward while shifting her legs from side to side.

"So, you are saying... you will face the monsters alone?"

"Yes, that's right~ I plan to drive the monsters back~ I should be able to delay their advance for at least a week."

Delic and his subordinates stared, stunned and in disbelief, at the thought of her holding off such a massive number of monsters—alone—for an entire week.

"So, what I’m trying to say is, make sure you’re all prepared by then," Ganesha said, a smirk playing on her lips. "And don’t even think about running away. I know the professor well enough to say that it’s probably less painful to die here than to try to escape~"

Those words were chilling—enough to crush even the smallest thought remaining in the knights' minds, each syllable slicing through the tension like a blade.

"Why aren’t you saying anything~? Were you thinking of running away?"

"W-what? Oh, no. Not at all. Of course not. As a knight, I would never run away... Haha, right, boys?" Delic said.

“Of course not!”

“Hahaha. Hahaha. Hahahaha—”

Delic and his subordinates shared forced laughs, exchanging glances.

***

The next day, I began a thorough inspection of every corner of Rekordak.

"We have about two weeks' worth of food left. If we ration it wisely, we could extend it to three. However, if we deny food to the prisoners, it could last up to eight weeks."

"And what about the supplies?" I inquired.

"Ah... well," the First Sergeant said, scratching the back of his neck in discomfort as he stood before Rekordak’s food storage.

"Speak."

“... The merchant guilds are hesitant to provide supplies. It seems that word of the monster wave being more severe than expected has spread, and now they are hoarding supplies themselves... Oh, my apologies, Professor; I could not find a more appropriate term for hoarding—"

"No need for concern," I said, nodding slightly before handing over the thirteen fish I had caught that day.

The First Sergeant’s face brightened, and he said, “Oh, thank you, Professor. I'll make sure to preserve them properly by salting them. Your catch has been a great help. We already have forty, thanks to you—"

"That is enough. Now, tell me the names of the merchant guilds."

“Sorry?”

"Name them, and I’ll see to it that the supplies arrive within three days."

"Ah, yes, Professor! They are the Lotrin and Beola merchant guilds, the most renowned in the Northern Region."

I wrote the names of the guilds on the death list and said, "Keep up the good work."

"Yes, sir!"

As soon as I stepped outside, I was approached by Epherene and Louina, who had taken Allen's place after his departure.

"Epherene, have this message sent," I said.

"Yes, Professor," Epherene said, casually glancing at the words on my death list, her eyes widening in shock. “... ‘I have been informed that the supplies from the Lotrin and Beola merchant guilds to Rekordak have been delayed.’”

"Do not speak what is written."

"Oh, sorry."

Epherene muttered to herself.

“... ‘While this delay is acceptable for now, should it continue, I will have no choice but to consider it a breach of contract and take legal action.

“I understand that there may be circumstances on your side, but the contract with Yukline must be honored, and I am not concerned with those circumstances. Even if it means reducing what I offer to other families, the supply to Yukline will be delivered without fail.

“If that proves difficult, I expect you to remember the creed of Yukline. Perhaps there may be a Scarletborn among your merchant guild. Even if you claim there is none, can you be certain? And even if you are certain, can you be absolutely sure?

“I will not wait for a reply. You have three days to deliver as agreed. Any further delays will be met with blood and flesh.’”

"... B-blood and flesh," Epherene murmured, swallowing hard.

"Umm, boss?" Louina said, tapping the spot on my shoulder where Daeho had bitten me.

An intense glare shot from my eyes at her.

“It seems there’s something going on over there," Louina said, gesturing toward the opposite side of the wall where Rekordak’s entrance stood.

Just as she mentioned, an unusual bustle stirred at Rekordak's entrance.

"You should keep your hands to yourself."

"... You're as sensitive as ever."

I clicked my tongue and moved closer, asking, "You there, what's going on?"

"Oh, yes, Professor," the guard replied, his face showing clear signs of surprise. "The mountain villagers are continuing to gather outside the entrance."

"... The villagers are gathering here?"

"Yes, Professor. Although the wall may block the monster wave, the risk of the demonic beasts breaking through increases with their numbers. They would prefer to stay inside, where it is safer..."

I looked toward the entrance of Rekordak, and beyond the massive gates, I heard the sounds of footsteps and chatter.

"Open the gate," I ordered.

"Yes, sir," the guard said, hurrying to open the gate.

Creeeeeeak—

"Oh! It’s openin'!"

"It’s openin'—it’s reelly openin'!"

"Thank y'all, guards! I sure 'preciate it!"

"Thank y'all so much! We done brought plenty of food, an' we gonna help with labor—I'm sure we gonna be of help!"

Before the gates fully opened, the voices of the villagers rang out, filling my ears and being carried on a breeze that swept in with sunlight from beyond. I stood upright, looking past the gates.

"... There are quite a lot of them, Boss," Louina said.

The crowd spread wide and deep, flowing down the slope from the crest of the hill, their innocent faces and bright eyes turned toward me.

“Indeed, there are.”

I hadn’t realized how many lives depended on the rugged mountains and Rekordak. Only now did I begin to understand why Yulie had tried so desperately to protect them.

"Thank y’all so—"

"Stop right there! You are not permitted to enter without the Professor’s authorization!" the guards said, stopping the villagers from entering.

The villagers complied with the guards without resistance, their eyes sparkling like children full of hope.

"Oh~ That's gotta be the Professor!"

"That gotta be the Professor visitin' Rekordak, from Yukline!"

"Glad to meet ya, Professor! We done heard so much 'bout ya!"

Their thick, regional accent wore thin on my patience, and the sourness of their scent only deepened my discomfort. I shook my head with quiet displeasure, and their faces seemed to darken as if shadows were creeping over them.

"Oh, we promise we gon' behave an' ain't gonna cause no trouble! An' we—"

“Silence yourself,” I commanded.

At those words, a heavy silence blanketed the crowd, shattered only by the sound of someone slapping the man who had just spoken.

"... How should we handle this, Boss?" Louina asked.

The guards, along with the villagers crowded beyond the gate, turned their eyes to me, waiting in silence. I was in a state of indecision, as it did not suit my nature. Their filthy appearance, surrounded by swarming flies, disgusted me—almost like pests I had to deal with. Without a word, I turned away and noticed that Epherene had returned and was standing nearby.

"Epherene," I said.

"Y-yes, Professor...?" Epherene replied, nodding with a nervous expression.

I turned back to face the anxious crowd once more, observing their tense faces, with Epherene behind me, I said, "... You should be able to set up temporary shelters with Drent."

"Oh, of course, Professor!" Epherene responded in a loud voice.

I nodded without speaking further, then turned away from the villagers and walked off. They were quiet, but Louina and Epherene stepped forward, signaling for them to enter.

"What are you all waiting for? Come inside already," Louina said.

"Quick!" Epherene said.

"... Whoa!"

"Thank y'all! Thank y’all so much!" the villagers cried.

The stream of people was unending, their footsteps and the rumble of carts shaking the ground. They came not only with themselves but also with their livestock—chickens, cows, and foals—handing them over to the guards with heartfelt requests that they be put to good use alongside the knights.

“... What exactly is happening here?”

The knights came rushing in, accompanied by the Imperial Guard, and among them, Yulie stood quietly in the gathering crowd.

"Warden," I called to the warden standing among them.

"Y-yes, Professor?" the warden replied, rushing over.

"From this moment onward, ensure that every breach in the walls of Rekordak is completely sealed."

“Oh... I’m sorry?”

"We’re staying inside and defending against this wave," I said, with no sense of urgency—just relaxed and comfortable, as if this were no more than a casual outing.