What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 316

#316

Reincarnated Priest (5)

Golden fireflies danced mysteriously in the damp summer breeze.

-Whoosh······

The উইনিটে River [hypothetical river name] flowed silently.

The night air was filled with the sounds of insects chirping, hooves clattering, and tall reeds brushing against diligent soldiers.

The waning moon provided ample light, which was both a blessing and a curse.

While darkness would have been preferable for concealment, the Imperial Army had opted for a blitzkrieg to avoid a protracted war.

The Emperor desired a swift advance into the royal capital and the capture of Werner Venetian.

-Rustle, rustle

-Clatter, clatter, clatter······

The Prophet was lost in thought.

His cheeks, once plump from regular meals, had become gaunt since the war began. The older knights felt a pang of sympathy for the young commander’s youthful face.

It wasn’t that they doubted his abilities, but they couldn’t help but feel sorry for someone so young being thrust onto the battlefield.

Those unfamiliar with magic might react that way.

But Modeste had never led an ordinary life.

The wish of his parents, who had given him a new name, abandoning a perfectly good one, was never fulfilled.

None of his family members showed him affection. At one time, this had caused him unbearable pain.

He came to believe that his power was a calling from the Chief God.

He sought to find value, even if it meant considering himself a mere tool.

‘Your ability wasn’t something you asked for. It must bring you a lot of pain and difficulty. Even if you don’t understand, can’t you at least respect him?’

“······.”

He heard such words for the first time in his life.

Neither his family nor even his nanny had ever offered him such comfort.

Yet, the person he had pushed away and warned had stood up for him.

There was not a hint of hesitation in those violet eyes.

Modeste often pondered the events at the tavern that day.

He frequently recalled the soft voice.

‘Won’t you come eat bread?’

‘Our chef, Laurence Condé, can bake any kind of bread. You can visit if you’re interested.’

······It was true. Laurence Condé was very talented and possessed excellent culinary skills.

Whether instructed or not, she diligently packed snacks for the Prophet, even when the owner was absent.

So Modeste frequented the cold palace [likely a less desirable residence or area].

The workers there were all gentle, much like someone he knew.

Occasionally, when he didn’t want to go home, the commander would even eat dinner there, prolonging his stay.

There was no such warmth in the Marquis’s residence in the Imperial Capital.

Instead of teasing the young Prophet, the Prince only smiled quietly.

‘If you think I’m funny, please say so.’

‘No, it’s not that······. It seems that the people of the Bakari Islands are very kind.’

He smiled as he fed plums to the divine beast. The table was laden with colorful desserts.

‘You said that I am an existence that distorts all prophecies. But when I think about it, isn’t it kind of you to give such a warning? Knowing how the other person might misuse that fact.’

‘······.’

‘If prophecy is your job, it must not be easy to trust people. Seeing how well you make friends, I think you have a strong heart.’

‘······.’

And then the Prince passed away.

The day he returned as a corpse, Modeste once again became the Empire’s most reliable Prophet.

There were no more obstacles to foreseeing the future.

No more mistakes of spilling blood and losing memories, no more accidents of prophecies going awry.

Everything was proceeding smoothly.

In return, he lived through winter again, feeling the cold deeply.

The bread that Mr. Condé packed had lost its taste.

“Whoa.”

Flash. Modeste snapped out of his thoughts and raised his eyes.

The high-ranking knight leading the formation was raising one fist.

At his signal, soldiers with spears rushed forward.

Whirr, whirr! Torches blazed to life all around in an instant.

The entrance to a small village came into view.

Hundreds of residents were trembling and prostrating themselves in the square.

Judging from their worn clothes and thin bodies, their situation was similar to that of other conquered villages.

It was the third village already.

“We, the Honing Village, wish to surrender to the great Riester Empire! We will not dare to resist!”

A woman who appeared to be the village representative shouted, her terrified voice cracking.

All the farming tools that could be used as weapons were piled up in the center of the village.

Empty carts and open carriages were also visible.

When the knight gestured, the soldiers moved in unison to surround the residents.

‘Waaaaah!’ A pale-faced child burst into tears.

The guardian cried and soothed him, but it was no use.

‘Shh, shh.’ One of the high-ranking mages quickly produced a stuffed doll and handed it over. It was a familiar routine.

Only then did the sobbing subside.

More than anything, silence was needed.

“Start.”

“Yes!”

“Yes!”

The soldiers and lower-ranking mages who received the order scattered.

It was the standard procedure: search the village and confirm that there were no hidden threats before formally accepting the surrender.

Modeste looked up at Mount Trossart, which loomed before him.

He had heard that on clear mornings, the spectacular sight of the mountain turning red could be seen even from the northern border region.

He also knew that the name of the ‘Grand Rouge’ [likely a prestigious guard unit], the Imperial Family’s guard, was taken from this mountain.

A large, red mountain.

“There are no signs yet. Scouts report no smoke from the beacon.”

Another report came in. It was the knight who had spoken to him earlier. Modeste nodded.

“As predicted.”

The 청은색 [Azure or Blue-Green] eyes shone calmly.

This was the first strategic stronghold that Riester encountered in Venetian territory.

The উইনিটে River flowed in front, and the rugged mountains stretched behind, encompassing the far north and south.

From the 신국 [New Kingdom] inland, it formed a natural barrier.

Among these mountains, this was the highest peak, and there was a wide, flat area in the valley.

It was the perfect location to build a field fortress and use it as a foothold.

To advance to the royal capital, it had to be secured—

“But there will be an ambush.”

One of the Empire’s best knights and Modeste accompanied him.

At the Prophet’s words, the knight gripped his sword.

“West, all clear!”

“East is all clear.”

The soldiers, who had quickly finished searching the houses, searched every corner of the well and barn.

So far, everything had gone smoothly.

After showing mercy to Bouterlotte and allowing the rumors to spread, the people of Trossart had surrendered to the Imperial Army as if they had been waiting.

Of course, there were exceptions. In the northern Barony of Cro, there was strong resistance.

The paladin Baron directly confronted them, declaring that he would not allow his territory to be taken, and the Margrave Karoline Mute, who was occupying Bouterlotte, responded.

The results should be known by now. It was obvious that the Sword Master had won.

Anyone who faced her greatsword was completely overwhelmed.

“The waterways and farmland are clean!”

“Confirmed!”

It was then.

“······Waaaaa!”

A shout erupted from the top of the mountain. The residents startled and looked around.

Pale faces were filled with fear. Bright red flames were rising in various places in the mountains.

‘Sreung!’ A clear ringing sound spread from the center of the front line.

Starting with him, all the knights drew their swords.

‘Heeing! Heeheeing!’ The horses, smelling the scent of battle, pawed the ground nimbly and raised their heads.

The blade, bathed in moonlight, gleamed sharply.

Weapons that had not been wiped of blood often had a dark red color.

-Whirr-!

“Waaaaa! Waaaaaa······!”

“It’s a beacon! A beacon has been raised on the top of the mountain!”

The soldiers’ shouts poured down, piercing through the growing chaos. It was exactly in line with the prophecy.

The Trossart family had been like gatekeepers who had guarded this place for a long time.

Nevertheless, the reason why their social status was not high was only because of their inherited greed and extravagance.

There was no way he would give up his territory.

“Charge!”

“Uwaaaaaa―!”

“Long live Riester!”

“Install magic stones on the foothills and focus on suppression!”

With the high-ranking knights and mages at the forefront, the Imperial Army mercilessly surged forward through the night.

Boom boom boom! Thunderous footsteps and shouts tore through the air.

The soldiers, pouring in like a tidal wave, soon split into two lines and swirled around the villagers.

A group with a strong and reliable leader was psychologically close to invincible.

Modeste shuddered as he watched his allies being shot out.

He remained here with some guards, playing the role of checking prophecies and protecting civilians—

-Thump!

“Ah.”

The Prophet hurriedly raised his head. His eyes flashed pure white for a moment.

Why?

“Ah ah······.”

He felt nauseous. His vision was dizzy, as if heat haze was rising.

Modeste quickly took off his glasses and pressed his eyes with his palms.

He repeatedly moved his gaze, frantically rolling his eyes and looking at the sky and the ground alternately.

‘Aaaaaah!’ In the midst of the earth-shattering noise, his revelation—

“······Oh my god.”

Was ‘going awry.’ Suddenly, the future of Mount Trossart was not visible.

Just like the space where the Prince was alive.

“Now is the time! Pull!”

Then someone shouted from the direction of the foothills. His whole body was covered with tingling goosebumps.

Modeste stared blankly in that direction.

He swore to the Chief God, it was a voice he knew.

*

That’s right, the Baron was ambushing over the mountain!

“Long live Riester!”

-Dudududu······!

-Clatter, clatter, clatter, clatter!

The Imperial Army was approaching at 5G-뺨치는 speed [Korean slang for extremely fast, like 5G internet]. I gritted my teeth and grabbed the rope.

Everyone under the masks looked tense.

I was also nervous, and my mouth was dry. But I had to do it.

If we stayed still, the villagers might be suspected of being in cahoots with Baron Trossart.

They might be misunderstood as having surrendered to hide his ambush.

Even if the Imperial Army believed us, it was difficult to guess how vile the Baron would be.

What could you expect from a guy who ignored those starving to death and filled his own coffers?

So we had to make the first move. It was time to show the determination we had built up over the past three days.

I shouted at the top of my lungs.

“Now is the time! Pull!”

We have to take the initiative!

“One, two, three!”

Hwino shouted loudly.

“Heuaaaa!”

“Kkeuaaaak!”

Twenty residents who were said to have some strength lay down, clinging to the rope.

According to the plan, we were supposed to pull from the village square, but the rope was too short, so we had to come up to the foothills.

Uaaaaaa!

“······Uwaaaa!”

“Long live Venetian!”

“Long live Lord 퓍 [Placeholder/nonsense word]!”

While we were pulling with all our might, the Baron’s private soldiers were rushing in like a wave from far away in front.

There were threatening torches here and there. Damn it!

“Just a little more! Just a little!”

“Aigooo [Korean exclamation of frustration]!”

We were literally doing our best.

We strained so hard that the blood vessels in our foreheads stood out and our faces turned red.

Then, ‘Tak!’ Suddenly, the rope went slack. Everyone’s eyes widened. It’s a success!

“Waaaaaak!”

“We did it, Titania!”

“Aja! Aja [Korean cheer]!”

“Well done! Now everyone, go down! Hurry!”

‘Be careful not to fall!’ I patted the backs of the rejoicing residents and shouted.

Everyone hurriedly ran down the mountain.

‘Squeak······.’ A faint and ominous sound came from the distant mountaintop.

I bit my twitching lips and quickly grabbed the 성장을 [likely a staff or scepter] and ran.

Amid the noise of swords and spears clashing, the soldiers’ shouts, and the horses’ cries, I couldn’t think straight—

The staff kept getting caught on rocks and branches. I wish this was a little smaller!

“Can’t you reduce the size?!”

I shouted at the top of my lungs while running at full speed. Then an amazing thing happened!

-Saaaa······

“Ugh, don’t suddenly get smaller!”

I covered the 성장을, which had become the size of a bookmark in an instant, with my palm.

A faint light was flowing from it like a phone screen.

Even though it was made from the roots of the World Tree, this ability is amazing!

Are you always this good to your master?

-Kwaaaang!

At the same time, a roar erupted from the mountain ridge. That’s it!

-Swaaaaa······!

“Heuaaaak!”

-Cheeeik······!

“Ugh, Keheok!”

Along with the sound of a large amount of water pouring out, screams and cries followed from above.

The Baron was probably surprised too.

He probably didn’t expect the shelter’s rainwater reservoir to collapse.

He wouldn’t have known that it would put out the beacon!

“He got a taste of it.”

He couldn’t have imagined that the fence pillars would pour out of the collapsed reservoir!

“Ugh!”

“Aaaak! Don’t step on me!”

“Lord Baron! This way, Lord Baron!”

Tearing screams pierced my ears.

By now, water-soaked wooden barrels would be rolling around up there.

Even if they turned on the torches, it wouldn’t be as bright as daylight, so people would be falling and slipping everywhere.

The beacon tower would have been messed up as the beacon went out, and quite a few soldiers would have been swept away by the waterfall-like water.

There would be many injured in the collapsed reservoir.

The ‘ruin the ambush’ operation seemed to have succeeded!

“The sin of looking down on the common people, eugh!”

Thud! I tripped over a rock and tumbled mercilessly. Aigoo! The second son of the Jeong family is dying!

-Thump, thud!

“Aueuk······. I’m acting up again······.”

Shaky. I struggled to prop myself up on the ground.

Fortunately, I was buried in soft moss, so the impact wasn’t great.

Golden fireflies rose up in droves and hovered around.

They must have been very surprised because of me. I’m sorry, 아저씨 [Mister/Sir]······.

Ugh, I think I bruised my waist. Is it cracked?

“Hyung [Older brother] told me to take good care of my waist.”

-Sreung!

At that moment, a jet-black blade rushed at my neck. I froze in that position like ice.

I could no longer move or chatter to myself in peace.

It was an overly familiar sword. It must be a coincidence.

When I hurriedly lowered my eyes, I saw the fore hoof of a jet-black 준마 [Magnificent horse].

I noticed the sleek boots and dark red decorations. My breath stopped for a moment.

The sensation of all the noise and light in the world receding was vivid.

All that remained here were the fireflies, me, and······.

“······.”

No. There’s no way we’d meet in a place like this.

Wasn’t it a 검사 [Swordsman] named ‘Mute’ who was coming? Wasn’t it Lady Elizabeth?

“Eut······.”

The sharp tip of the sword dug into my skin. A thin, bright red stream of blood flowed down my uvula.

I struggled not to groan.

And instead of looking up at the owner of the sword, I squeezed my eyes shut.

Since when, my whole body was trembling. I was too scared right now.

I didn’t have the confidence to face him.

It was cowardly, but I wasn’t ready. I was a really bad bastard.

“······Get him out of here.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

A dagger-like cold baritone cut through the air.

Thump! Soldiers grabbed me roughly. My eyes flashed open.

The 혜검 [Wise Sword] of Mars was already gone.

I staggered to my feet without saying a word.

Belatedly, I looked around like a madman.

“Hurry! You have to go down to the village so we can protect you! Hurry!”

“You’re a Honing resident, right?”

“Yes, yes······.”

I couldn’t even tell what I was answering.

I could only find the man’s back by tilting my head halfway. No more words came out.

It was as if I had lost my voice.

The Crown Prince was seen fluttering his cloak and heading into the forest on the sturdy Charlemagne’s saddle.