Paladin of a Fallen Order (Novel) - Chapter 39 - Those Who Went Up and Those Who Came Down (Part 2)

Chapter 39 – Those Who Went Up and Those Who Came Down (Part 2)

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Translated by Pratt

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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When Mayor Valdrek gestured toward the outside, the secretary from before brought a large shield and placed it on the table.

Elbridge examined every corner of that shield.

The shape of the armrest on the inside of the shield, and the plain pattern on the outside of the shield. It was certainly the shield of the former Chief Paladin, Leonhardt.

Elbridge asked in a slightly stiff voice,

“Mayor Valdrek. Why is Sir Leonhardt’s shield here?”

The Red Mountains were closed off even in the distant past, and accepting outsiders was extremely rare.

What would be the reason for the shield of Leonhardt, who was the Chief Paladin of the Order of the Rusty Shield, to be stored here?

However, Mayor Valdrek’s answer was somewhat commonsensical.

“Sir Leonhardt came all the way to the front of the Red Mountains and requested a repair from the previous mayor. He said the human blacksmiths had given up on repairing it. Indeed, there is no way human blacksmiths could possibly repair a shield made by a dwarf using an alloy of the Red Mountains.”

Elbridge became a little embarrassed.

Ah, was this a dwarf-made item.

“Ah, is that so.”

However, Mayor Valdrek’s story did not end there.

“We repaired it diligently and waited to charge the fee, but Sir Leonhardt did not visit even after several years passed. In the end, the previous mayor inquired about Sir Leonhardt’s whereabouts, and only then did he come to know that Sir Leonhardt had ascended.”

“…”

Leonhardt was a single man who had not even married.

If such a requester had ascended, how should the transaction be concluded?

“Since we had no choice, we contacted the Order of the Rusty Shield, and they said they would come to retrieve the shield as soon as the funds were prepared. Some time after that, I took office as the mayor, and I discovered this shield while organizing the items in the first-class treasury.”

He felt like he knew the story after that even without listening.

“We tried to contact the Order of the Rusty Shield again, but the order had ruined… No. Contact was not smooth. Therefore, this shield has been stored in the mountain city Barkuntol until now.”

A situation where the debtor, who had no family, had disappeared, and their affiliated order went bankrupt.

If the debtor had died instead, they would have recovered the repair cost by disposing of the shield, but since the debtor had become a god, disposing of the shield was also an awkward matter.

That was the history of a two-hundred-year-old bad inventory.

Elbridge said in a slightly smaller voice,

“Even now, the order’s financial situation is not affluent. However, since our influence is recovering rapidly, if you would give us just a little more time…”

“I did not bring this up with the meaning to pay off the debt.”

“Yes? Then for what reason did you speak of it?”

“…What do you mean why? Didn’t Sir Elbridge ask why this shield is here?”

“Oh, right. That was it.”

Mayor Valdrek tapped the shield lightly and laughed.

“Anyway, Sir Elbridge can just take this shield along with the reward of the request. We will not charge the repair cost.”

Elbridge’s eyes sparkled.

Leonhardt’s shield was an item that plenty of people coveted even in the past.

There were some who coveted it because it was the shield of Leonhardt, who was counted as the best paladin of the era, but there were even more who coveted it for practical reasons.

“Would that really be alright?”

“Just like other dwarves, I also dislike being in debt. Since we cannot fully pay the price of this request with only one item from the treasury, I merely wish to give this shield as well to match the balance.”

Rombel, who was listening to the talk, and the mayor’s secretary also nodded.

However, Marcus showed a slightly different reaction.

“Mayor. By any chance, could I also get one more thing? I also fought along with Sir Elbridge.”

At that, the mayor’s expression turned businesslike.

“Coolly speaking, Mr. Marcus’s contribution was not to that extent.”

“…I just asked just in case.”

Elbridge smiled slightly and then tried slipping his left arm into the shield’s armrest.

The balance was good, and the weight was moderate.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Elbridge tried striking the wall with the shield.

Even though it was not a shield imbued with a spell by a mage, its shock absorption was amazingly excellent.

However, the true value of this shield lay elsewhere. The point that it had never been pierced even once until now.

Of course, this did not mean that the shield protected the user perfectly.

Because when it received an excessively strong impact, Leonhardt’s left arm or left shoulder would break, and the shield had been dented a few times too.

However, as far as Elbridge knew, this shield had never been penetrated even once.

“I will use it usefully.”

“Since the item has returned to find its owner, only now does my heart feel at ease. If you have work to repair it, visit the mountain city. And—”

Mayor Valdrek said, looking around Elbridge’s party.

“Everyone, follow me. Let’s go to the first-class treasury.”

*

In the first-class treasury, a variety of items were prepared, including weapons, armor, handicrafts, precious metals, and even raw mineral ores.

However, the absolute number of items was not large.

Because it was merely once in several years that an item worthy of being added to the first-class treasury was made.

After much deliberation, the three picked up the items they needed one by one.

‘You cannot obtain a similar item outside the mountain city. Choosing the most needed item is correct.’

Elbridge chose the fauld and tassets that protect the thighs.

Because these were pieces of equipment that did not stand out well, numerous people would overlook their importance.

However, in Elbridge’s experience, there were more paladins who died from injuries to the femoral artery of the thigh than paladins who died from their hearts being pierced. The practicality might be even more outstanding than the cuirass.

And there was one more decisive reason why Elbridge chose the fauld and tassets.

“That is a masterpiece of Barnok, the artisan who made Sir Leonhardt’s shield.”

It was precisely due to Mayor Valdrek’s explanation that the artisan who made Leonhardt’s shield had made this fauld and tassets.

The moment he heard that explanation, a desire to collect that he had felt for the first time in his life stealthily raised its head inside Elbridge’s chest.

Rombel also simply evaluated Elbridge’s choice.

“You chose a practical item. As expected, your eye is outstanding.”

Subsequently, Rombel self-evaluated as he chose a chainmail shirt to wear under the cuirass.

“So-so usable chainmail is common, but you will not be able to see a chainmail shirt of this high degree of completion anywhere. It is an item made by devoting heart and soul to each and every link. Moreover, this weight… it is as light as a decent leather armor. I do not know what the material is either. It is an amazing item.”

Lastly, Marcus chose a flashy sword. The pattern engraved on the sword blade and handle was so precise that it was hard to check even with narrowed eyes.

However, Rombel harshly criticized Marcus’s choice.

“…Marcus. That is the item of the lowest class in this treasury. How about choosing another item even now?”

Of course, since it was to the extent of being stored in the first-class treasury, it was clear that the sword Marcus chose was also an outstanding famous sword.

However, Rombel’s evaluation was that the creator placed center on aesthetics rather than practicality.

At that, Marcus replied confidently,

“You two cannot even go anywhere to boast about your items, can you?”

“…Boasting?”

“Of course one must choose the coolest item that is best to boast about.”

“Marcus. Do you wear armor to boast, and choose a sword to boast?”

“Not entirely, but that is also important. I wouldn’t know about knights or paladins, but mercenaries examine each other’s equipment and subtly divide classes. Moreover, when selling, the most expensive item will be this sword.”

Since ancient times, swords symbolized lofty authority and tradition, so there was no house among renowned families where at least one famous sword did not come down as an heirloom. Naturally, its transaction value also had no choice but to be the highest.

If it was a sword this flashy, its value would become even higher.

“How envious will the bastards who ignored me until now be when they see this sword?”

“Have you never heard the story about someone getting swept in a sudden disaster after putting their hands on an item beyond their station?”

At that, Marcus laughed slyly.

“Anyway, I plan to follow Sir Elbridge around for the time being. Who could harm me when I am by Sir Elbridge’s side?”

“Do you intend to follow Elbridge for your whole life?”

“When I retire, I will sell this sword and buy a magnificent mansion. Although this sword might not be the best item in the treasury, the item that will make my life the happiest is definitely this sword.”

Since it was not a wrong story but merely a difference in standards, Rombel and Elbridge could not bicker over Marcus’s choice.

*

The three decided to leave the dwarves’ city without dilly-dallying.

Although the funerals for the dwarves who died in the last battle were in full swing, numerous dwarves came along to see off Elbridge’s party.

On the path leaving the mountain city through the valley,

Mayor Valdrek stood at the front of Elbridge’s party, and numerous dwarves followed behind the party.

This was to see off the three, and was a consideration to ease the anxiety of Elbridge’s party.

However, fortunately, the valley of the Red Mountains did not budge in the slightest.

Finally, the three and the dwarves emerged from the valley.

Elbridge looked at the dwarves who had come to see them off.

“…”

If not for this incident, the majority of them would not have been able to step even one pace out of the Red Mountains.

However, although it was just a few steps, the dwarves had now stepped out of the mountain city, out of the Red Mountains.

They say that well begun is half done.

Now, the dwarves would go further into the world, step by step.

Conversely, races that are not dwarves might enter the mountain city and nest.

When that era comes, what kind of life will the dwarves live?

At present, it is something unknown.

However, Elbridge wished that a second God of the Steel Anvil would not be born.

*

While they stayed in the mountain city Barkuntol, the remaining traces of summer vanished entirely, and it became fully autumn.

The wild flowers that bloomed in summer shook in the autumn wind with their colors slightly faded, and the soil that was uniquely moist in summer shook off its moisture and became even softer.

Along with spring, the best time to walk.

Since everyone in the party had obtained a great harvest in the Red Mountains, the three walked leisurely with the feeling of having come out on a picnic.

Elbridge whispered to the Goddess as he moved his steps,

“Goddess. I have something I am curious about.”

—Ask anything, Elbridge. For the coolest paladin in the world, your Goddess is ready to answer anything…

For the past few days, the Goddess of the Rusty Shield felt like she was flying.

Even until early this year, she was in a pitiful state without a single believer, but now, not even a year later, isn’t she on the verge of entering the council?

Right now, there was only one thing the Goddess of the Rusty Shield was concerned about.

Whether the seats will be one, or two.

Comparing it to not long ago, it was truly a happy worry.

Elbridge asked,

“How is Sir Leonhardt doing right now? Is he by your side, Goddess? Or is he assisting you?”

At that, the Goddess of the Rusty Shield faltered.

—Elbridge. Your Goddess wishes eagerly to tell her only paladin everything. However, not all heavenly matters can be known to the earth. Because this was decided by the solemn Chief God…

People of the earth often pride themselves on knowing thoroughly what happens in heaven. Things like all kinds of gods’ names, matters resolved in the Heavenly Council, seats, and rumors about the gods’ personalities spread secretly.

However, in reality, there was not much heavenly information known. To be precise, it should be regarded that only a few pieces of information were clearly known, and all the rest were kept secret.

“By any chance, could I at least know Sir Leonhardt’s divine name?”

—I cannot tell you.

The Goddess hesitated slightly and then added a word.

—However, Elbridge. His situation might be slightly different from your thoughts. I will only say that much for now.

Elbridge did not press further. Since it was likely that the Goddess of the Rusty Shield tried her best to give as much information as possible.

Elbridge asked as he fiddled with the shield handle,

“Is it possible to know how ascension is achieved? Or what kind of person ends up ascending.”

This was a question regarding Leonhardt, the former Chief Paladin, and was also a question for Rombel.

—The most important thing is a great achievement that can reach heaven. However, a great achievement is not everything.

“If so, what more would be needed?”

—First of all, the consent of the gods is needed. If one wishes to newly ascend to heaven, they must receive the consent of more than half of the seats, but receiving consent is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Why is that?”

—It is due to territorial behavior. Just like humans on earth, elderly gods also spout stories like ‘When I was on earth, that degree was nothing.’ Also, there are many gods who look unfavorably upon an earthly existence ascending to heaven. Because a new god is a potential competitor…

“…”

—Besides that, there are several things needed. However, since such is information that cannot be disclosed to the earth, if the time comes for you too, Elbridge, you will naturally come to know.

“I understand, Goddess.”

Elbridge had a lot he wanted to know regarding the former Chief Paladin, Leonhardt.

Although they had no blood relation, because Elbridge regarded Leonhardt like a father.

It was not a simple matter of friendship either.

In Elbridge’s thoughts, Leonhardt was fundamentally someone different.

Should he say it was as if he belonged to neither heaven nor earth?

Rombel asked Elbridge,

“Elbridge. Why is your expression so serious?”

“I was wondering if there is a way to obtain information about Sir Leonhardt.”

“How about trying to pray to the Goddess of the Rusty Shield to send down an oracle? Since you are a paladin but also an archbishop right now, your prayer would reach even heaven.”

When Elbridge shook his head, Rombel shrugged his shoulders.

“Indeed, heavenly information is hard to obtain even through an oracle. But it’s not like there is absolutely no way, you know.”

“There is a way?”

“If a heavenly god cannot convey heavenly information, wouldn’t it be fine if you also obtained heavenly information from an earthly person?”

How many people would there be who could access heavenly news more easily than Elbridge?

When Elbridge stared blankly at Rombel, Rombel lowered his voice and said,

“I told you, didn’t I? I am going to meet the Central Mage Tower Lord to find a way to ascend.”