The Skeleton Soldier Failed to Defend the Dungeon

I figured out the situation in no time. Rubia had misunderstood, thinking I had arranged everything from the start. The timing was just that impeccable.

”Just play dumb. Pretend you don’t know.”

Should I just confess that Blackberry prepared everything? Still, watching her cry from joy... ruining that for my own peace of mind felt crueler. Even if she blamed me later for deceiving her, I’d accept it. Better to deflect for now.

”Ah, well...” What was I supposed to say? I could easily come up with the next words. ”You look stunning in that dress.”

It wasn’t just flattery. The orange dress fit Rubia perfectly. Clearly, Blackberry had paid close attention since there hadn’t been time for a custom fitting. That woman likely had an extraordinary dress collection.

She blushed, wearing a mixed expression of joy and embarrassment. ”Really? Does it suit me?”

”Very much.”

The dress enhanced her beauty. White pearls lined the floral waist embellishment, naturally drawing the eye to her figure. Who would’ve thought that such a bold color would suit her so well? Her fair skin and the deep tone brought out the best in each other.

Rubia gently stroked the hem of her dress in wonder. ”The fabric is so soft...”

Swish. Swish...

Watching her idly fiddle with the double-layer silk sash made me smile, too. That was when I recalled the stack of black cards in my inner pockets. I fished them out and shifted them slightly.

Creak...

No smooth sound. The card from Blackberry and the one from Yube rubbed together, making a subtle grating noise.

Creak.

I felt a strange sense of discord. So far, the only merchant guild members I’d met were Yube and Blackberry. At first, I thought Yube was just eccentric due to his unusual kindness and interest. I remembered the sparkle in his eyes when I demonstrated mechanical or combat prowess. Even though he had gained nothing from me in this life, he still protected Rubia and even fetched Kevin Ashton’s book without hesitation.

And what about Blackberry? Her store clerk had been undeniably rude, so apologizing made sense. Still, would that warrant waiving ninety percent of the transaction fee? Plus, the hospitality we’d just received rivaled, or maybe even surpassed Yube’s.

It made me wonder. Was this sort of kindness natural just because I was strong? The merchant guild... Well, two times could still be a coincidence.

Whack!

Isaac pecked my shin. ”What are you spacing out for?”

I’d been lost in thought, standing before Rubia.

”Oh. When is the tea party?”

”In two days! I can’t risk dirtying the dress, so I’ll change back into the casual outfit you got me!” She slipped into the casual wear—also from Blackberry—while expressing deep gratitude several more times. ”I didn’t expect you to think of all this...”

”Mm... well...”

”You’re the best!” she declared with conviction, her cheeks flushed.

”Is that so...” Hoping to change the topic, I steered the conversation elsewhere. ”By the way... what is a tea party like?”

”Well! First of all, there’s the tea service and the side dishes...”

Her excited explanation was easier to listen to than more praise about the dress. I nodded and paid close attention. She told me about how the tea cup collecting trend began with some duchess. How tea parties were a women-only world full of gossip. How capital tea parties are usually intimate affairs with a focus on table arrangements and dessert design. Most likely useless knowledge, but now I had it anyway.

”I really wanted to go someday...” Her words trailed off.

”Rubia...?”

She had dozed off, leaning against the sofa. After such a long journey, she was bound to get exhausted. Perhaps, her excitement toward the tea party was solely keeping her awake.

”She’s asleep.”

My murmur blended with her gentle breaths. After watching her for a moment, I carefully picked her up and placed her on the bed. She sank into the soft mattress, and a peaceful smile spread across her face. We’d been through so much. Seeing her finally relax gave me a bit of pride and relief.

***

”Isaac.”

”Why... what is it now... I’m sleeping. Leave me alone.”

Isaac was sprawled out on the biggest bed in the room, lazily twitching his foot. There were four beds total, and the crow had claimed the largest one, large enough for three adults. The sight of a single crow flopped out on such a grand bed was... Well, absurd.

”A doll doesn’t sleep.”

”Snore...snore...zzz...”

His fake snoring was terrible that even I, who didn’t sleep, could tell. Watching him in disbelief, I reached for the gem he held in one foot.

”Thief!!”

Flap flap flap!

He flailed dramatically, flapping his wings as he rolled backward. He stomped around on the soft bed, then glared up at me, before pacing across the mattress again.

”What dumb thing do you want now? I’d rather practice sleeping than talk to you.”

”Why are you even practicing sleeping?”

I thought it was a joke, but Isaac replied in a surprisingly serious tone, ”If I want to inhabit a human body someday, I need to practice. I will rule the world in a human body.”

”A human body? Isn’t this mechanical form more efficient? If you want more storage, we can upgrade...”

Isaac cut me off. ”No. I hate efficiency. If you like efficiency so much, then just die. That’s the most efficient option.”

”...”

Despite the sarcasm, there was a deep sincerity behind his calm, low voice.

”Being dirty, pathetic, and ugly, that’s what being human is. And I love that.”

”I see...”

”Anyway, you woke me up. What did you want to ask?”

”What is the merchant guild’s true goal? These favors they keep giving... they’re starting to worry me.”

Flap!

He landed on my knee, chuckling. ”Heh... You’re finally trying to read between the lines? Normally you’d just smile and accept the kindness.”

”So is it just me they treat like this?”

He shook his beak slightly. ”You’re being treated well because you’ve proven yourself useful. It’s not special treatment just because you’re you.”

Then, it was different from how Purson’s followers tried to recruit me personally.

”Didn’t you say the lord of Grassmere was also a member?”

”Yes. You’re not the only one. Anyone with decent power or talent gets courted generously. But...”

”But?”

”I don’t think it’s just about ability. They seem to prefer fresh faces over those already established or well-known. If you want to learn their purpose, go back to Grassmere.”

”Go back and wait?”

”Yes. Wait until the lord passes the title to his son.”

It was unmistakable. He was talking about Chandler Hyungbin. The man I’d once given basic sword instruction to, and who had Christina as his escort. He had foolishly insisted on honoring a ridiculous contract with me, and was ultimately devoured by an imperial-bred larva.

I recalled the copied face that squirmed on that grotesque creature’s back. Why was he being mentioned here? Staying still, I focused on Isaac’s words.

”The current lord did hold membership... but he was dying, drained of life by me.”

”Right.”

Isaac spoke of his misdeeds like they were nothing. Just another reminder of what kind of creature he was.

”It was during the height of the lord’s dealings with the merchant guild. One time, the guild was about to make him a certain offer, yet hesitated.”

”What kind of offer?”

”They never told him. But judging from their demeanor, it was something sensitive and political. The lord didn’t want to hear it. He said he’d pass on his title, his membership, and that offer to the next generation.”

”So basically, he dumped all the trouble onto his son...”

”Exactly. Once Chandler takes over, the guild will make that offer again. That’s when you’ll get a glimpse of their real intentions.”

Could Chandler Hyungbin’s death have something to do with the Merchant Guild? If I asked what they told him, would he even answer?

”This is getting complicated.”

”What’s there to worry about? Enjoy the perks while they last. Take all the benefits, squeeze out everything you can! If they ask for something later, just say no. Simple.”

”...”

”Besides, you’re not even a member yet. Worry when you’ve gotten all five cards.”

He wasn’t wrong. There was no point in dwelling on whatever the merchant guild’s endgame was. Besides, I had more urgent matters to attend to.

”Alright, Isaac.”

”Yeah?”

”Take care of Rubia for a bit.”

”Huh? Where are you going in the middle of the night? You’re not exactly cut out for the capital’s nightlife.”

”I need to drop by the T&T branch. That’s what we came here for, after all.”

I still didn’t know what Rena’s plans were. However, if it was related to stealing Lurium, it’d be dangerous. Best to keep Rubia out of it.

The inn Blackberry had arranged was high-end and secure. She should be safe while I was out. Still, I let Isaac know just in case. Despite everything, he seemed to care about Rubia. If anything happened, he should be able to handle it. My only concern was whether he’d insist on hearing Rena out directly.

”Fine.” Surprisingly, he nodded casually. ”I’ll stay here with her. Just go and hear them out.”

”You sure you’ll be okay?”

”Of course. If this is the imperial family’s trap, you’ve probably been flagged since your first meeting. I’d rather not get involved.”

So that was it.

”If you die... I’ll just use this girl. Go get the information.”

Well, at least he was letting me go without protest. I’d thought about waiting until morning, but night felt more appropriate for meeting someone like Rena. And I already knew where to find her.

[Skill: Sprint Lv. 7 activated.]

[You may move at 500% speed.]

[Remaining time: 24:59...]

Fwoosh!

[Skill: Stealth Lv. 6 activated.]

[Perk: Trace Erasure (C+) in effect.]

I dashed through the capital’s night. Despite the lack of breeze, with the speed I was moving, the air screamed past my armor, slicing through every gap.

Whissssh!

Energized by speed, I leapt from rooftop to rooftop. With nearly a hundred points into Strength, each step launched me over multiple buildings. Thanks to my high Agility and rare-grade stealth skills, I landed without making a sound.

Tap!

I reached the tallest tower in the area and looked down. There it was. The place where I’d once read the papers about Kevin Ashton. Where Rena’s old shop, Sharunian’s, had once stood.

[Skill: Detection Lv. 7 activated.]

No signs of newspapers. Not surprising, since it was several months too early. No one was murdered yet. No crisis for the imperial family. Hence, only regular guards patrolled alleys.

Should I kill one?

I considered doing so to trigger the quest, but I let the thought go. Better to keep quiet until everything had wrapped up.

***

Finding the place took longer than expected. The capital hadn’t changed much, but the building I was looking for had.

I double-checked the location. Last time, it had been a shady tavern, then it was a cat cafe with hostesses.

Now? It was neither. It was a pitch-black wall, with a pitch-black door and no windows. So obvious, it felt like it wanted to be noticed. Luxury carriages pulled up, their crests covered. Well-dressed guests in half-masks handed over invitations. Only after verification did the guards let them in.

The owner hasn’t changed... right?

This T&T branch connected to Naneow’s secret tunnel. If the tunnel was still in use, it’d still be under T&T. The guards were competent, yet none could detect my Stealth. Soundlessly, I slipped inside.

Whoa...

The interior was a stark contrast. High ceilings. Massive chandeliers. The upper floors had been gutted to create a vast, open space. The lighting made it hard to believe it was even nighttime. The art and sculptures weren’t mere decorations; they looked like priceless artifacts.

Three tables...

Each was shaped with a hollow center. Masked figures sat around them, piling up mountains of gold coins. They were playing a game I recognized.

Knucklebone.

The player threw five finger bones into the air and tried to catch the most. These people used carved wooden pieces. Back in the Ossuary of Wraiths, humans played with real skeleton fingers, including mine. They said our dungeon was boring, and bet on the game over strong drinks.

That was some time ago...

A strange bitterness welled up inside me.

Masquerade.

I removed my helmet and casually slid into an empty seat. I also deactivated Stealth.

The staff member running the game blinked in surprise. ”Ah, we didn’t see you arrive. We were just about to begin the next round. How much would you like to wager?”

Clack.

”I’ll start with this.”

I casually placed my pendant on the table. If this were Rena’s turf, she’d respond. If not, I’d just leave.

”Ah...!” The staffer’s eyes widened. His carefully groomed eyebrows twitched. ”You had a reservation. Right this way, please.”

He quickly excused himself from the table and led me through a hidden door. Past the revolving entrance, familiar scenery returned. A storeroom full of cleaning supplies.

Clunk!

A door opened to the stairwell Rena had once guided me through.

So they left the back structure intact.

”Director! It’s him.”

The staff called into the stairwell. No mistaking it now. The building’s exterior had changed, but inside was Rena’s domain.

”I’ll leave you here. Excuse me.”

He bowed deeply and left.

Release Masquerade.

Rena would recognize me better like this.

Tap. Tap...

I descended the stairs slowly, making sure every step echoed.

Creak.

The door was unlocked, revealing the stone chamber where the Naneow faction had once held meetings. There, I saw a familiar silhouette sitting at the long table. I knew the shape well. I had seen it countless times.

My purpose was to secure Lurium, but despite myself, I felt a strange wave of relief. Rena slowly stood, her gaze still lowered. As her eyes rose to meet mine, a word I never expected escaped her lips.

”Master...?”