Side Story: Yuri’s Runaway Ruckus! (13)
“Am I not allowed to come here?”
“It’s not that…”
“Hmmm…”
Yuri’s last wife was Ena.
“You smell like alcohol.”
“No, it’s just…”
“You said you left because of something important, but are you out drinking? If that’s the case, I’ll have no choice but to tell Ekaterina…”
“P-please, not that…”
Ena chuckled softly and stepped forward to embrace Yuri, who had just dismounted her horse.
“I’m just kidding. I know very well how busy my dear is.”
Ena had cared for Yuri like a sister. Over time, as Yuri matured into adulthood, Ena began to feel romantic feelings for her, but due to their difference in status, she had to suppress them.
However, Ekaterina saw through this and accepted Ena, arranging an engagement between her and Yuri.
In a way, Marie Rose, Asana, and Ena all owed Ekaterina a debt.
Among Yuri’s four wives, Ena was the most forgiving. Yuri, nestled in her arms, poured out everything that had happened.
“That’s how it went. One thing just kept leading to another.”
“Oh my, my dear has been through so much.”
“There’s no one else like Ena.”
Ena patted Yuri’s back before stepping back and cupping her cheek.
“But the wine smell is strong. Who exactly were you drinking with?”
There was a sharp edge to her words, and Yuri answered immediately.
“I was drinking with the King of Bursen. We had to discuss business because of the recent situation. You know, that hairy old man?”
“Uh, yes…”
“Were you worried?”
“A little. It’s hard not to worry when my husband is the most admired man on the continent.”
“Don’t worry.”
Yuri smiled slyly.
“No matter who else there is, I have my adorable Ena. Why would I look anywhere else?”
“You should brag to Ekaterina.”
“Don’t.”
“Hehe…”
“By the way, what’s going on here?”
“Well, Cruar-sama…”
Ena pointed behind her.
Cruar, with her long red hair flowing, stood with her arms crossed, watching Yuri and Ena with a sullen expression.
Being an asexual being, she rarely understood human romantic relationships.
“She asked if I wanted to get some fresh air, and when I agreed, she immediately gave me a ride. I didn’t expect we’d end up all the way in Bursen, though.”
It was really nothing special.
Yuri tilted her head, and Cruar muttered to herself.
“Everything the great dragon Cruar does has a reason. If it’s not understood, I might just get upset and leave…”
She was still easily offended. Yuri placed a hand on Ena’s shoulder and stepped closer to Cruar.
“I understand your intentions, Cruar-sama.”
“You say you understand my deep meaning…?”
“Of course.”
In truth, Cruar’s intentions were easy to read.
“You sensed once again that the fate of the continent rests on my shoulders, and since we might not see each other for a while, you wanted to give Ena a chance to meet me, didn’t you?”
Cruar nodded.
“You truly are one of the few humans who understand my deep meaning.”
“And you, Cruar-sama, are a dragon of profound purpose.”
Cruar’s expression softened, pleased.
“So, have you heard about the appearance of black magic?”
“It seems so.”
“You’ll do well. Having overcome it once, the second time should be easier.”
“Well…”
Yuri hesitated to nod.
Compared to Cedric, this new threat was definitely inferior. She was certain of that. No matter what the new continent was like, it was unlikely another devilish genius like Cedric existed.
But the system was the problem.
This time, the enemy was different in one key way.
“They’re already using obsidian arrows imbued with black magic as standard weaponry…”
Cedric was undoubtedly a powerful black mage, but he couldn’t freely perform human sacrifices that went against the continent’s cultural norms. That’s why he operated in the shadows, giving Yuri chances to counterattack.
But the new continent was unknown territory.
No one could guess what kind of civilization had been established there.
In the worst case, human sacrifices might be commonplace. If so, the threat would surpass even Cedric’s.
“We’ll have to face them head-on first.”
“Mountain after mountain. But those who can see the second mountain have already crossed the first…”
Cruar smiled wryly.
“You’re overthinking it. Black magic fundamentally goes against human instincts. Even if it’s another continent, the difference won’t be that great, so don’t worry too much.”
“Thank you for your words.”
“This time, I’m free from restrictions as well. If needed, I’ll help.”
“Oh…”
If Cruar joined, their strength would be formidable.
“Thank you.”
The continent was stronger than ever, and thanks to their experience forming the Anti-Imperial Alliance, cooperation between nations was smooth.
If war broke out, all the top ten strongest warriors would come to Yuri’s aid, and if necessary, they could even request support from the East.
Yuri gently touched the Mamago and her gun hanging at her waist.
“Now, I’m actually looking forward to it. Let’s see if they’re truly worthy opponents…”
She glanced around.
Everything was falling into place.
Yuri, Roland, Jared.
Cruar and Jose.
The exorcists sent by the Pope.
The troops sent from Bursen.
“One is still missing.”
“Huh?”
Yuri turned around.
As if on cue, a cloud of dust rose in the distance.
“My old friends are arriving late.”
A large group of knights was galloping closer.
They were the “Vengeance Knights” Yuri had founded.
Though scattered after the war, their bonds remained strong.
Whenever black magic appeared or Yuri issued a summons, the Vengeance Knights would ride from wherever they were across the continent to assemble.
They were a continent-wide vigilante force.
New members were constantly recruited, and now, joining the Vengeance Knights was the highest honor for a knight and a mark of recognized skill.
“Your Majesty!”
At the front was a familiar face, Tirbo.
“Long time no see…!”
He hurriedly dismounted but stumbled.
“You’re still the same.”
“Hehehe…”
Though his movements seemed a bit clumsy, his skill was unquestionable. When Yuri was away, he had acted as the overall leader of the knights.
He was also a count, so he had no worries about daily work, making him well-suited to manage the order.
“You’re a count now, but still so clumsy.”
Yuri approached Tirbo and patted his shoulder.
“Your shoulder armor is crooked.”
“Your Majesty…”
Tirbo’s face lit up with gratitude at Yuri’s gentle touch.
Loyalty shone from his eyes.
The entire Vengeance Knights saluted Yuri in unison.
With the Vengeance Knights gathered, it was time.
“Well then, let’s set sail soon…”
Yuri was checking information about a mysterious ship near Orphen.
Already, dozens of fishing boats had vanished, and the fate of the fishermen aboard was unknown.
At first, they thought it was a maritime accident, but eyewitnesses had spread rumors about the ship.
“At first, I thought it was some kind of legendary ghost ship. But there were definitely people on board.”
At the harbor, thick with the scent of the sea, Yuri gathered the fishermen to hear their pleas.
The one speaking now was a survivor who had seen the mysterious ship.
“As soon as we saw it, we fled without looking back. But it chased us at an incredible speed, spewing black mist like smoke. It felt like someone was pushing us from behind.”
Yuri nodded. That description suggested the ship was aided by magic.
“My crew and I ran for our lives. Arrows were even shot at us, but when we got close to shore, the ship slowed and stopped chasing.”
“Arrows?”
“Yes. They were so ominous we threw them all into the sea. Those who touched them fell ill for a while.”
“Well done. Do you remember what the arrowheads looked like?”
“Of course. They were made of obsidian—black and sharp.”
Yuri gathered all the information she could about the ship.
It was enormous, shrouded in black mist.
Its main weapon was obsidian arrows.
It tried to avoid being seen.
“I understand.”
Yuri promised the fishermen she would defeat the ship.
“I, Yuri Briol, vow it. The seas of Orphen belong to you. I will make sure that mysterious ship is destroyed.”
“Thank you!”
Yuri’s preparations were progressing smoothly.
Only one thing remained.
A ship.
They needed a vessel capable of confronting the enemy at sea.
“Your Majesty, a message has arrived. The fleet led by Buscolum will soon reach Orphen.”
“Good.”
Yuri went to the dock to wait for them.
“How beautiful.”
The sea of Orphen, with seagulls flying over gentle waves, looked so peaceful.
Who would imagine that beyond the horizon lurked a ship steeped in black magic?
But having fought Cedric directly, Yuri knew how easily those consumed by darkness could shatter this peace.
Black magic distorts the world and stains everything with blood.
“If we don’t fight, we can’t protect this peace.”
Yuri turned her gaze.
A small fleet was approaching along the coast.
Only three ships.
Not many, but larger and more magnificent than any ship Yuri had ever seen.
The sails billowed fully, catching the wind and pushing the hull forward. The ship glided smoothly through the waves, steadily approaching the dock.
At the bow of each vessel, intricately carved heads of a ram, a lion, and a dragon adorned the prows.
“So this is the ship I spent all my money on…”
“These are masterpieces built by the world’s finest shipwrights at Water Six,” Yuri said with a sly smile.
“Money’s no object, as long as it gets us where we need to go.”
Soon, all three ships were moored at Orphen’s harbor.
Buscallum stepped off the ship, a triumphant grin on his face, and approached Yuri.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Buscallum, and I’ll do everything in my power to help Your Majesty cross the Owl Blue.”
He bowed respectfully to Yuri.
Yuri patted his shoulder in appreciation.
“Buscallum, good to meet you. I’m counting on you. You better make sure I get my money’s worth.”
“Ha ha ha, don’t worry. I’ve gathered only the best ships and crew.”
He gestured to the men standing behind him—two of whom were captains leading each ship.
“This is Jamelan, and this is Vasku. They’re the finest I know. Their tempers might be rough, but when it comes to the job, they’re rock solid. I don’t know what kind of scoundrels we’ll face out there, but these men and I will make sure Your Majesty achieves your goal.”
Jamelan and Vasku nodded to Yuri. They didn’t look friendly, but their determination was unmistakable.
“Good,” Yuri declared. “Everything’s in place. No need to wait any longer. We set sail as soon as possible. The Revenge Knights, the demon hunters, and the Bursen navy will all board the ships. Start loading the supplies!”
Two days later, Yuri stood at Orphen’s harbor.
Everything was ready.
The three ships were stocked with provisions, knights, soldiers, and demon hunters all in position. Even Francesco, who had arrived late upon hearing the news, had joined them, making their forces complete.
All that remained was to depart.
“Which ship will you be on?”
“The one with the ram’s head.”
“That one looks kind of weak…”
“No, I’ve made my choice.”
Yuri exchanged a parting glance with Ena.
She was there to see him off before returning straight to Briolo.
“Be careful out there.”
“I will. Say hi to Ekaterina for me.”
“I will.”
After embracing Ena, Yuri gave a confident smile and stepped aboard the ship with the ram’s head prow. The sea breeze whipped through his black hair.
Raising his new beloved sword, Mamago, he shouted,
“Set sail!”
This was the moment Yuri ventured out onto the open sea.