A Knight Who Eternally Regresses - Chapter 307

Chapter 307: CHAPTER 305
When asked about the identity of the meat that melted in his mouth,

“It’s an eel.”

Not a snake, but a long-bodied freshwater fish, she said.

The female soldier spoke as she roughly peeled the skin with a small knife.

Everyone worked quickly, their hands moving in sync.

“When we return to the city, I’m thinking of transporting fish from the river to sell here. What do you think?”

The soldier brushing seasoning on the fish asked. Encrid silently gave a thumbs up.

As he did, he imagined the trade route between the river and this place.

If they paved the road well, it would only take two days by carriage.

If they got a spell object that emitted cold air, freshness wouldn’t be an issue, even in midsummer.

Artifacts were ancient relics, whereas spell objects were magical tools made and sold by guilds of wizards.

Among them were tools that maintained a gentle coolness.

Using that, people in large cities even ate shaved ice in the middle of summer.

Of course, such things were ridiculously expensive and rare in remote places like the Border Guard, but with future trade, who knew?

They already had things like silk being brought in.

If it weren’t for the war, trade might have expanded even more, but that couldn’t be helped.

“This flavor is new to me.”

Encrid spoke with sincerity.

Although seasoning stained the corners of his mouth, the emotion behind his words didn’t wane—in fact, it only grew stronger.

The soldier who had been seasoning the grilled eel smiled slyly. While not particularly pleasant-looking, there was genuine warmth in his smile.

Pure joy was evident. It seemed like the act of someone eating his cooking was itself a pleasure.

“Do you think it’ll sell well?”

“For sure.”

“Even if it’s just words, it’s nice to hear.”

“Hey, when that happens, take me with you, alright?”

Another soldier grilling eel chimed in. His face was smudged with soot, but it looked natural on him.

Neither of them seemed very old.

“Helma! Is it done?”

A few soldiers approached, shouting. The female soldier who had been staring at Encrid was named Helma.

“Yeah, did you catch anything?”

Helma replied without even turning around.

From the conversation, it seemed they had cleared a path to the Pen-Hanil River, and whenever they were bored, they’d go catch something from there.

The approaching soldier dropped a thick leather pouch on the ground.

In the cold air, thin shards of ice fell from the leather pouch, which had a slight frost on it.

“What is it?”

“Crawfish.”

When they opened the pouch, a crustacean with pincers emerged.

The soldier making the seasoning licked his lips and said,

“Just grilling those makes them taste amazing.”

Encrid mingled with the soldiers, eating and enjoying their company as if he had always been one of them.

“Care for a drink?”

“Of course.”

Helma offered him some liquor. It was a whiskey with a musty smell.

“Not great, but not bad either, right?”

It was perfect for warming up in the cold weather.

The talented cook among the soldiers grilled the crawfish, removed the heads, and smeared the seasoning into the meat like a marinade.

“You’ll go crazy eating it like this.”

He tried it.

He almost did go crazy. There was no fishy smell, only an overwhelming savory flavor.

A pleasant sweetness wrapped around his tongue and struck his brain.

“You should definitely open a restaurant.”

Encrid recommended it twice.

Next up was the trout. The guts had already been cleaned out by the river, so all they had to do was grill it. With a sprinkle of salt and pepper, it was another delicacy.

“By the way, where are you from?”

It wasn’t Helma, but another female soldier who asked. Female soldiers weren’t uncommon in the unit, which was to be expected.

In Naurillia, female enlistment was highly encouraged.

Born the daughter of a serf? If you want to change your life, join the military.

It was a female enlistment system.

Naurillia’s third military policy, following the soldier ranking system and mercenary enlistment system.

It worked so well that female soldiers were now a common sight.

“Reinforcements.”

“From the Border Guard?”

“Yeah.”

“So, how about it? Is your Commander really as handsome as the rumors say? Is he better looking than you? Huh?”

Currently, Encrid had a beard. To be precise, he hadn’t had the time to shave, so he’d let it grow. While it could make him look a bit unkempt, it didn’t completely hide his natural looks.

No wonder Helma kept glancing at him.

“No, I’m better.”

Encrid quipped jokingly.

A few of the soldiers couldn’t hold back their laughter at his words.

Some of them cast envious glances.

Others seemed to enjoy Encrid’s easy going attitude.

“Don’t get too full of yourself.”

Some soldiers said, half in jest, their words tinged with a mix of envy and jealousy.

“Yeah, I won’t.”

Encrid responded calmly.

What was the point of arguing?

If it had been Rem, he would’ve probably smashed their heads first, but Encrid wasn’t Rem.

After eating and drinking with the soldiers, Encrid returned to the assigned barracks, where Esther was sitting quietly, waiting for him.

There were rumors that some of the soldiers had fallen for her the moment they saw her.

With her silky black hair flowing down and wrapped in thick black fur, the wizard’s appearance, along with Sinar, was enough to captivate the attention of the surrounding soldiers.

Perhaps that’s why she didn’t go outside?

But that wasn’t the reason. Esther wasn’t particularly interested in those around her to begin with.

The wizard looked at Encrid and spoke.

Her flat tone was the epitome of indifference.

“I need to go somewhere.”

“Alright.”

Encrid had no reason to stop her.

And just like that, Esther left without a word. The next morning, Krais, with bloodshot eyes, asked,

“Don’t you think her spells or magic could have been useful?”

What he was really asking was, why did you let Esther go? If she’s in her human form, wouldn’t that help?

Encrid had thought the same thing.

“No, it won’t.”

“Why not?”

“If she could’ve helped, she would’ve stepped in already.”

Krais would have normally realized this himself. Esther had been in her human form for a long time now.

If she could have done anything with her magic, she would have done it already.

But she hadn’t. That meant there was a reason.

Encrid knew this, which was why he let her go. He figured she had something to do.

He didn’t think it was urgently necessary right now.

Unless she wanted to, forcing her might have done more harm than good.

It wasn’t a thought, but more of a feeling.

Encrid simply followed his instinct, as he always did.

“Why are you only smart at times like this?”

Krais grumbled. It was his way of admitting Encrid was right.

Afterward, Encrid went about his usual routine of warming up and starting his training.

He practiced the Isolation Technique, gradually tightening and stretching each muscle in a punishing process, before moving on to swinging his sword.

He had killed Laikanos recently and retrieved his sword.

Now, two swords hung at his left waist.

“Isn’t that uncomfortable?”

Sinar, who had come over to watch from the morning, asked.

“I’ve gotten used to it, and it’s actually lighter than I thought.”

“Really?”

“Want a light spar?”

“Not a bad idea.”

Thud.

Sinar’s Leaf Blade was flexible, fluid, and fast.

She leapt with light, springy steps, striking with her sword. Even though the attacks were light, they were tricky to parry.

“Are you preparing against my techniques?”

“Sharp as always, my fiance.”

By the time Encrid deflected the blow, she had already struck and retreated.

Encrid shifted his sword technique. Middle Sword Technique. Heavy swings, powerful strikes. And now, faster.

It wasn’t quite like Ragna’s display of swinging the sword five times in one step.

But it was two strikes per step.

A result of observing, studying, and mimicking.

“Impressive.”

Sinar admired. Her Leaf Blade also changed. From quick, cutting strikes, it shifted to the Fluid Sword Technique of parrying.

Her style was ever-changing. The sword of the Fairies was both sharp and gentle.

Encrid noted it in his mind.

Later, when he reviewed and reflected on it, he would surely learn something.

There would be something to gain.

Though his right arm wasn’t fully healed yet, it wasn’t a life-or-death duel.

Neither of them was being too serious.

After a while, after sparring with their swords, Sinar wiped the sweat from her forehead and asked,

“Does that sword have a name?”

“Does it have a name?”

He held the sword that had belonged to Laikanos in his left hand.

Encrid’s eyes traced the sword, from the hilt, along the spine, all the way to the tip of the blade.

The sword had a shape similar to an awl, extending from the hilt to the very tip of the blade.

The blade itself was silver, and the hilt was wrapped in something rough, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

Even without adding extra leather, the grip felt perfect in his palm, giving the sense that it had been custom-made for precise handling of a light sword.

Clearly, this wasn’t an ordinary weapon.

Additionally, there were symbols or runes carved near the base of the hilt, which suggested it was more than just a simple sword.

Sinar, without much hesitation, quietly continued explaining.

“It’s a sword made by the Fairies. Its name is ‘Ember’.”

“Is it famous?”

“In its own way.”

Encrid had already suspected it was no ordinary blade.

It was strong yet light.

That meant it wasn’t made of typical steel.

Ember was a sword forged by a renowned Fairy craftsman.

There are two types of Fairy swords: Naidil and Needle. This one was a Needle, and it had been given a name.

Naming a weapon meant the craftsman had great confidence in their work.

He had heard that this sword was lost ten years ago, and now it had resurfaced here.

A light, sturdy sword, perfect for thrusting.

Among the Needle swords, this was one of the finest.

“How many swords were lost back then?”

The craftsman who forged Ember had made a few other swords, but they were all lost due to certain events.

‘Certain events’ was a polite way of saying they were lost due to some foolish bloodline squabbles.

‘Endurance, Destruction, Ember.’

There were a few others, though the names didn’t all come to mind. They were probably well-documented in the Fairy city, along with records of the despicable human thieves involved.

The swords were lost when a Fairy swordsman was killed in an ambush.

They were given to those who neither had the skill nor the right to wield them, and thus they were lost.

That should never have happened, but it did.

‘A worthy person should hold them.’

So, for Sinar, it made perfect sense for Encrid to carry Ember. In her eyes, he was qualified.

“Since it’s a famous sword, isn’t there some obligation to return it or something like that?”

“Unless they look at it closely, even Fairy wouldn’t recognize it. The word ‘Ember’ is written in Fairy script right below the guard. As long as you keep that hidden, you’ll be fine.”

Sinar turned away as she finished speaking. Encrid understood her point clearly.

‘In other words, keep it hidden.’

He decided to do just that. He had found a good sword, and there was no need to return it.

Encrid had a bit of a thing for swords, after all.

After sweating it out with Sinar in their sparring match, he was hungry again.

Encrid washed up and wandered around the inner camp, which had a village-like atmosphere.

There wasn’t a forge, but everywhere people were roasting something or sewing extra layers onto clothing.

Everyone seemed quite busy.

This time, Encrid brought along Ragna and Dunbachel as well, since they had been watching the sparring with nothing better to do.

“You want to come along?”

“Sure.”

“I could tell you ate something good yesterday, the smell was all over you.”

Dunbachel was a beastwoman, with a highly developed sense of smell. She was sensitive to aromas and had once mentioned that she had a hobby of enjoying good food.

“Follow me.”

Encrid found a spot and casually started eating various things again.

He didn’t specifically explain who he was, but Dunbachel, observing how Encrid interacted with the soldiers, quickly made up a story that he was also part of the reinforcements.

“Who made this? It’s fantastic.”

“I did.”

A young soldier answered.

“Well done, kid.”

Dunbachel said absentmindedly, ruffling the soldier’s hair. The young soldier blushed slightly.

Some soldiers directed questions toward Ragna, but he remained silent.

He looked like he was either deep in thought or searching for something.

The soldiers kept a bit of distance from Ragna.

“These guys look a bit off, don’t they?”

One of the soldiers had hit the nail on the head, but no one paid much attention.

Encrid heard it but understood.

He was fine, but his companions always seemed a bit lacking.

“Hey, didn’t I tell you to not bring weird friends here?”

One soldier said irritably, but Encrid just brushed it off.

“Yeah, I’ll be careful.”

“This guy… just talks…”

“Hey, knock it off.”

“No, seriously, this guy…”

“I said stop.”

“Wow, damn.”

“Don’t act like an idiot.”

While it was annoying to just hear talk without action, no one was about to cause trouble.

The other soldiers intervened, calming down the agitated ones.

“Watch yourself.”

One muttered.

Encrid watched this unfold, thinking that discipline was well-maintained here.

It wasn’t like there was a huge issue, but someone could have easily tried to start something.

If they had, Encrid might’ve had to, unfortunately, step in like Rem and handle the soldier for a bit.

He clicked his tongue, and Helma gave him a strange look.

Encrid ignored it and continued eating and chatting.

The grilled trout, crawfish, and seasoned eel even made Ragna turn his head toward the soldier who had prepared them.

The way his eyes sparkled was quite amusing.

Considering he was usually picky about food, the fact that this meal caught his interest meant it was indeed impressive.

“This seasoning is a family secret, you know.”

The soldier’s seasoning recipe was worthy of praise. He glanced at Dunbachel, who had rather peculiar tastes.

Encrid took it easy, doing minimal training, while eating, drinking, and resting.

His body still hadn’t fully recovered.

While the rear soldiers were busy making things and preparing food, the atmosphere was different at the front of the camp, where a few other soldiers were stationed.

Garrett’s battalion had fewer combat-ready soldiers, but those who stood out the most were from this group.

They were part of the Green Pearl Rangers, the plains scouts.

“Heading out on a scouting mission?”

“Who are you? What unit are you with?”

It was clear they were allies, but scouting missions were inherently dangerous. Seeing an unfamiliar face, the soldiers immediately sent cautious glances his way.

“I’m with the reinforcements.”

Encrid showed his epaulette.

It had the emblem of the Border Guard’s high watchtower.

“Doesn’t seem like it’s your concern.”

One of the soldiers said. Judging by Naurillia’s ranking system, he was at least an elite soldier.

He was short, but his body looked quick and agile.

Encrid observed the soldier’s nimble physique, his light armor, and where his center of gravity usually leaned.

‘He focuses on footwork and relies on thrusts.’

The stiletto dangling at his waist was noticeable.

This was the conclusion Encrid came to by using what he’d learned from the Isolation Technique and from Audin’s teachings—he could assess how well-trained someone was by just looking at them.

“Here, eat this.”

Encrid pulled out some seasoned jerky from his pouch and tossed it to him. The elite soldier caught it, but the suspicion didn’t leave his eyes as he asked,

“What’s this?”

“Just try it. It’s good.”

The soldier took a small bite, then tore a larger strip of the jerky.

“Got any bread? Try dipping it in this.”

Encrid said, handing some marmalade to the soldier next to him.

It was a specialty of the Border Guard. If they didn’t like it, something was wrong with their taste buds.

While the unit wasn’t exactly suffering from a shortage of supplies, they weren’t abundant either.

Guarding a small area meant they couldn’t easily go out hunting, and they occasionally had to deal with magical beasts that caused trouble nearby.

Aside from the archers stationed at the watchtower, the main force of this unit was made up of rangers.

They didn’t even have a cavalry unit.

“This is pretty good.”

One of the scouts muttered. The elite soldier, who seemed to be the leader of the rangers, snorted.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to pull, but are you at least reporting to your superior?”

No, he hadn’t. But he could do that now.

Encrid reported to his superior, which was, of course, himself. After receiving his internal approval, he replied,

“I’m just giving you food because you’ve been working hard. Just eat it.”

“Weird guy.”

Encrid continued to wander around the camp, focusing on eating and resting.

There was a lot to learn from looking around.

Watchtowers were clustered in a small area.

Because the defensive zone was small, it would be easy to defend. However, it also meant they were more vulnerable to flanking attacks, but some risks had to be taken.

On the fourth afternoon after Encrid’s arrival, just as the sun was setting, a messenger came rushing into the camp.

Everyone’s eyes turned toward him.

“The enemy is at our doorstep!”

The messenger’s words spread quickly from the command tent to the rest of the camp.