CHAPTER 169: CHANGING FATE’S PATH [1]

’This is something I completely didn’t expect.’

Is that how it usually goes?

Or has the future changed due to some butterfly effect that Gerhard doesn’t know about?

It was a bit troublesome since there was no specific mention in the prophecy book.

Of course, for Gerhard, who wishes for Aint’s growth, there was nothing bad about it.

’It changed because of my actions.’

Originally, Aint was supposed to meet magical beasts and evil species on the battlefield.

There, he would fight fiercely and gain experience.

And after properly eliminating an evil species, he would begin to gain fame as a ’hero’ and as the ’successor of the first Emperor.’

The desert tribes weren’t involved in that scenario.

But things changed when Gerhard saved the desert tribes.

Those who should have become sacrifices through death survived and witnessed Aint’s achievement.

’I hope this doesn’t significantly change the future.’

What was the biggest advantage of having the prophecy book? It was knowing the future and being able to prepare accordingly.

That’s why, except for his relationship with Luina, he had tried to maintain the broad framework while only changing minor details of the prophecy.

’What’s done cannot be undone. I should be grateful that it’s at least positive...’

"...Are you closing your eyes?"

Gerhard opened his eyes at the presence felt beside him.

"What did you say?"

"I asked why you’re sitting here with your eyes closed."

It was Luina. She handed him a well-roasted piece of meat.

Despite the festival, there wasn’t the slightest hint of wavering on her face.

"I had something to think about. By the way, aren’t you drinking?"

"Alcohol makes people careless."

"It’s a festival."

Gerhard received a cup from a tribe member who was distributing liquor and offered it to Luina.

"...I don’t like it because it’s bitter."

"It is strong liquor."

What the desert warriors drank was distilled liquor.

They mainly milked the camels they raised to make fermented alcohol, then distilled that fermented alcohol to create distilled liquor.

And they aged the distilled liquor in distillation facilities dug into the ground.

’In the desert, I bet a lot gets given to the sky.’

Running a distilled liquor business in the desert was almost like throwing money into the ground.

From the desert tribes’ perspective, it wasn’t about business; they just wanted strong liquor, so they made it.

Anyway, that wasn’t the important thing.

"But there should be fermented liquor too, right?"

"It just doesn’t suit my taste..."

The fermented liquor made by fermenting camel’s milk had strong likes and dislikes due to its unique scent and taste.

Gerhard took out a chocolate from subspace and squeezed it tightly in his hand.

As the chocolate crumbled, a subtle forest scent wafted out. He sprinkled it directly into the liquor cup.

"This should be better."

"..."

Luina looked at Gerhard with narrowed eyes.

"I washed my hands."

"No, it’s not that—that chocolate is from Fridien..."

"It’s World Tree bark chocolate."

"Why are you putting such a precious thing in alcohol?"

"So, are you not going to drink it?"

"...I’m drinking it because the chocolate is too valuable to waste."

Luina took a sip of the liquor.

The oak barrel scent from the aged distilled liquor blended perfectly with the subtle forest aroma from the chocolate.

The initial bitterness was covered by the sweetness of the chocolate, making it quite good.

"...It’s delicious."

"That chocolate is more expensive than the liquor."

"...I profit."

"Profit?"

"It wasn’t originally mine, but by drinking unpleasant liquor, I’ve gained better chocolate."

"...You’ve become quite the merchant."

"I suppose I’ve come to resemble the merchant I travel with."

Gerhard’s eyes widened, having never expected to hear such words from Luina.

It wasn’t bad at all.

It was then.

Waaaah-

Veri...!

In the distance, loud cheers could be heard. Though he wanted to check what it was, it was difficult due to the surrounding crowd.

"What is it?"

"They must be doing something else, perhaps?"

At that moment, a tribe member’s body was seen being flung out through the crowd.

He was covered in wounds, and from beyond came a familiar voice shouting:

"Next!"

"It’s a duel."

"Indeed, a duel."

"Is it Veriana?"

"It’s Veriana."

Gerhard and Luina looked at each other.

A moment of silence. Pushhiiiii, Luina raised her aura, completely dispelling the effects of alcohol.

"This should be interesting. I’ve been curious about the power of those who can’t handle mana but possess extremely strong bodies."

Without waiting for Gerhard’s response, Luina headed toward the stage.

Koong? Kukukuku!

Wooden, who had returned to Gerhard’s side, held his belly and laughed.

"Rejected? What nonsense."

They weren’t even in that kind of relationship to begin with.

Gerhard lightly tapped Wooden’s head with his finger.

Keeeeing!

Wooden screamed and twisted his body. He was exaggerating even though the tap was gentle.

’Anyway, this means the desert tribes will become Aint’s forces...’

Just how many desert tribes were there?

==

"How vulgar."

The desert tribe humans were all filthy. The liquor was of poor quality, and though they called it a festival, there wasn’t much to enjoy.

"Does the festival not please you?"

"How could it?"

Just eating whole-roasted meat, drinking distasteful liquor, and fist-fighting under the pretext of sacred duels—that was all there was.

To call this a festival? Rudger felt the urge to redefine the concept of festivals for these barbarians.

’This is why they’re called barbarians. This is why you were abandoned by the Empire.’

No, the truth was that Rudger was angry for a different reason.

Because despite his contributions, they only praised Aint.

’Holy light? Nonsense.’

Because the desert tribe revered Aint.

Aint, Aint. Because that damn Aint seemed to have recovered the forgotten Vision Swordsmanship of the Armians.

The question of how wasn’t long-lasting.

If he truly had recovered it, it was a serious matter.

In a peaceful era, it might not matter, but evil species had begun to rampage.

It seemed as if heaven had paved a royal road for Aint Armian.

"Your Highness, are you alright?"

Rudger snapped out of his thoughts at Almon’s voice. He calmed his breathing and suppressed his anger.

"...I’m fine."

"I was worried you might have been injured in the battle with the evil species."

"I just cast one spell and that was it, so there was nothing to get injured from."

Although he had overexerted himself, resulting in exhaustion and internal injuries, he was in quite good condition now after taking a good potion.

"I want to ask you something, Almon."

"Yes. Ask me anything."

"What was the evil species like?"

"In what sense?"

"I’m asking how strong it was."