I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain

On the second floor of the tavern in Ian’s room, the tavern owner was securely fastening the leather pauldrons onto Ian’s shoulders. “Turn your arm around.” (TS note: Pauldron is part of armor that is often dome-shaped that covers the shoulders, armpit and some portions of the back and chest.)

Ian obediently moved his arm, testing the strength of the leather straps. “Not bad.” The pauldron fit perfectly on Ian’s shoulders and didn’t hinder his movement.

“The most annoying part is done.” The tavern owner mumbled as he continued tightening the straps of the armor.

Ian had asked him to help with the preparations since he would have to wear the armor like clothing from now on, but getting help with the armor wasn’t the only reason he’d asked the tavern owner for help.

Before Ian could speak, the tavern owner asked first. “Are you leaving right away?”

Ian shrugged. “I received a commission.”

“Well, even so…”

“Anyway, there’s nothing more for me to do here. So, I’m leaving.”

The tavern owner smacked his lips, disappointed.

“Fine, then tell me some rumors.”

“What kind of rumors?”

“The dark and ominous ones, they’re often talked about around here.” Gathering intel was Ian’s real intention in asking for the tavern owner’s help.

The tavern was a place where all sorts of rumors gathered thanks to wanderers, outsiders, and gossip-loving drinkers. It was the easiest way to gather information that could serve as a basis for setting a destination.

“Those aren’t just a few rumors. What do you want? The curse of the Black Wall is spreading like a plague. Packs of wolves that eat only human flesh or four-eyed alligators living in the underground sewer? They even say blood-drinking fairies feed on headless horsemen.”

Rumors of the kingdom were this extreme, but Ian also knew that all these rumors were true. It was a glimpse into how chaotic the Dark Ages were. “What about the locations of interest?”

“Interesting locations? There are even rumors about a castle where blood flows from the walls, a cave where screams can be heard, and a forest where people go in but never come out.”

Ian’s eyebrows twitched. This was the story he had been waiting for, “Something like the Graveyard Forest?”

“Exactly. There isn’t much of a story despite the name.” With a tug, the tavern owner tightened the strap on the side of the armor. “For someone who doesn’t like to chat with strangers, you sure know a lot.” The tavern owner stopped fiddling with the armor straps and sat down in front of Ian, holding gaiters. “That forest has an underground tomb. It’s said to have been built by ancient fairies or something like that. Since the time of the war with the demon folks, the bodies of fallen soldiers have been laid to rest there. It was better than having their bodies scattered around everywhere, so they put them underground.” (TS note: Gaiters protect the lower leg and feet from injury)

Ian recalled the Graveyard Forest from the game. It was a fairly credible legend. “So?”

“Until recently, commoners were burying bodies in the Forest too. But at some point, the mist started thickening.” The tavern owner continued speaking as he adjusted the gaiter on Ian’s leg. “Since then, those who enter don’t come back. No one goes in anymore, and that’s the end of it.”

“Hasn’t anyone tried to solve it?”

“Why should they? It’s a place even tomb raiders avoid. No one needs to go, so why bother.”

“Well, I’m interested.” All the necessary pieces of evidence had come together.

The tavern owner raised an eyebrow. “Are you planning to go there with that knight?”

Ian calmly retorted. “There’s nothing much in our village. So, I’ll go to the most likely place to find some quests. How long will it take to get to the Forest?”

“About a week on foot, but not more than ten days. It’ll be faster if you ride a horse. You probably already know the name and location roughly, so it won’t be hard to find.”

“I see.” A week, or ten days at most. It was only a ten minute walk in the game.

While Ian was organizing his thoughts, the tavern owner got up. “Is there anything else you want to ask or some way I can help?”

“No, that’s it. Thanks for your help. I’ll be in your debt till the end.” With the sword on the table, Ian stood up.

“I didn’t expect the room to be empty so soon.”

“I told you I wouldn’t sit around.”

“That was fine with me.” The tavern owner looked around the room and asked, “How long do you think this peace will last?”

Ian replied indifferently, “It won’t be long until the monsters reappear. War is coming.”

The tavern owner’s breathing stopped instantly. His once muscular shoulders, now thick with fat, were tight with tension. A common reaction of those who have experienced war before.

“Don’t entrust your future to others like me. You must protect your nephew.”

“That will be the day I need to use the armor and ax you gave me.” The tavern owner sighed in the voice of an old soldier that had accepted the bleak future ahead of him.

“Will you stay?” Ian asked the tavern owner who nodded to him. “You’ll have to take care of that ax. It won’t last much longer.” He turned to the door and walked out.

The tavern owner lightly smiled at the closed door. “So that’s why I didn’t owe you a favor for that ax. Anyway…” He looked at his belly. “…I need to lose some weight if war is coming.” His eyes, as if pondering, were filled with the determination of one who could do anything to survive. As if the memories of the past month were like a sweet dream.

~~~~~~

“Wow!” Philip exclaimed when he saw Ian. “Looks impressive, Sir.” Maeve and Philip nodded as they faced him.

Ian, wearing gray leather armor, looked like quite a reliable mercenary. The worn belt around his waist was old, but the new sword gave a sense of trustworthiness. It meant he had survived as a mercenary long enough to have gone through multiple swords.

“The color is unique. What kind of leather is it?”

“Kobold Chief.”

“Kobolds are usually brown, right? Is it dyed by contaminated magic?” Philip’s expression turned wary, as if he had not been admiring it.

Ian smirked and replied. “Seems like the knight-to-be is quite afraid.”

“Afraid? Not at all! Not even slightly!” Philip jumped up.

While Ian casually sat down on the opposite chair, he added. “You should finish eating. You need a full stomach for the journey.” Maeve and Philip nodded and picked up their forks and spoons again. Bread, meat, and stew was the most substantial meal available at this tavern.

“Have you decided on the destination?” It didn’t take long before Phillip spoke up again.

Ian shrugged his shoulders. “For now. First-.” Just as he was about to continue speaking, a shadow suddenly loomed by his side. Ian furrowed his brow and turned his head and saw a face full of freckles. It was the maid.

“What’s up?” She asked in a subdued voice as she fixed her gaze on Ian. “Is it true? That you’re leaving with these people.”

“Yeah.”

“After the meal, right away?”

“That’s right.”

“How did this happen all of a sudden?”

“That’s the life of a mercenary.”

“But, still-” Her voice, which had been trembling slightly, grew emotional and faded.

Ian blinked his eyes dazedly. Phillip and Maeve also momentarily halted their movements. It was because of the tearful eyes of the maid.

“I’m sorry. It’s just so sudden.” The maid bowed her head, wiping away her tears, and without looking back, hurriedly ran into the kitchen.

Ian let out a hollow chuckle a little belatedly as he watched her run to the kitchen. It was true that he felt some affection, but to see her cry like that was surprising. He felt someone’s gaze and turned his head. “What’s up?”

Phillip, who had been enjoying the spectacle, smiled and said, “You’re quite skilled, aren’t you? They say winning a woman’s heart is the most difficult thing.”

“Nothing’s going on.”

“That’s not how it looks from here. That look-“

“Nothing. There’s nothing.” Ian cut Phillip off with a cold tone.

Phillip closed his mouth with a reluctant expression.

“What exactly happened?” The owner of the tavern asked as he descended the stairs. Ian glared at Phillip as if he were about to speak.

“Nothing.”

“Finish what you were saying, Ian.” Maeve added.

Just as he’d hoped. “For now, I’m thinking of going to the Graveyard Forest.”

“The Graveyard Forest?” Phillip raised an eyebrow.

“There’s an ominous rumor about it.”

“It’s on the way to the capital, so it shouldn’t be too hard to stop, but it would be better if you explain your reasons.”

Ian nodded at Maeve’s serious attitude. “That damned dark mage must have a hiding place somewhere around here. He said he spread ‘seeds’ all around, waiting for the day to harvest.”

“That’s a part of my estimation as well.”

“That’s why I chose potential hiding places for that guy.”

“But isn’t there nothing there? It’s known as a place with only tombs and bones, without even gravestones.” Phillip said.

Ian nodded his head. “It’s an environment the dark mage would like. Plus, since there’s nothing to take, there won’t be anyone going there willingly. There won’t be any attention drawn to it without problems arising in the forest. This should be enough reasons.”

“Even so, in the middle of the kingdom-” Phillip murmured disbelievingly.

“As they say, it’s darkest just below the candle.” The tavern owner chimed in discreetly.

Indicating Ian with his chin, he added, “The Fixer may not be kind, but I’ve never seen him wrong. At least there won’t be any losses.”

“What if it’s all for nothing?” Ian retorted.

The tavern owner laughed. “Well, in any case, the cursed forest will disappear.”

Maeve nodded her head. “Both of you have valid points. We’ll follow the mercenary’s plan.”

“Ian. Call me Ian, not ‘mercenary,’ Lord Liurel.” Ian added.

Maeve replied kindly. “Of course, Ian.”

Phillip was the only one who looked reluctant. “It seems like you’re both playing tricks. This is a waste of at least one day of your precious week.”

“If you’re scared to go, I’ll let you wait outside the forest” Ian smirked

Philip’s eyes widened at Ian’s words, “And leave you in charge? That is more terrifying than the Forest. I will lead!”

Ian laughed “Be sure to do that.”

Meave put down her fork, “We don’t have much time, so let’s start right away. The meal was delicious, owner.”

Philip quickly packed his things. The owner nodded at Maeve and turned to Ian “Goodbye. Let’s live and see each other again.”

“There will be nothing to see, whether I’m dead or alive. Unnecessary hope only shortens one’s lifespan.” Ian turned his back on the tavern owner and started walking.

Just as he was about to open the door, “Wait a moment!” The maid’s urgent voice followed him.

Ian’s forehead finally creased. “How far is she going to stick to me?” Ian thought to himself. When he turned his head irritably, the maid handed him a small bundle wrapped in cloth.

“Take this, Fixer.”

“What is this?”

“I packed some ham and cheese. For you to eat during the journey.”

As she handed the bundle to Ian, the maid added, “Please be careful. Fixer. You understand, right?”

After briefly meeting her eyes, Ian finally responded awkwardly. “Yeah. If anyone tries anything funny or whatever, bring it up and stab them. You have a good eye for people.”

The maid smiled. Ian walked away, putting the bundle in his dimensional space, a faint smile crossed his face.

“Sir, did you see that?” Philip’s voice echoed after him. “The maid’s eyes were truly heartbreaking.”

Ian’s steps stopped, “Sir Liurel, I have a favor to ask.” He turned back to Maeve, eyes cold as ice. “Can I cut off this servant’s tongue? I think removing it will help you on your journey.”

Philip’s face paled as Maeve replied, “That will never happen.” She passed by Ian and added, “But if that moment comes, I will ask you to do it.”

Philip laughed awkwardly, “Sir, what a scary joke. It is a joke right?”

“I’ll happily do it for free.”

“You are both good at telling jokes! Then, I’ll go get the horse.” Philip, creaking like a wooden doll, hurried after Maeve.

Riding wasn’t Ian’s preference. Horses were valuable vehicles to the people of this world; to him, they were a cumbersome and labor-intensive tool. But this journey required saving time and energy. “Well, can’t be helped.” After regaining his appetite, Ian walked more leisurely. He had taken requests from stable keepers before, so he figured he could get a horse for a cheap price.